Issues concerning the prevention of violence against women have high priority in Sweden. The Government considers men's violence against women to be one of the most serious expressions of the lack of equality and, consequently, also of the imbalance which still exists in the power relationship between the sexes, both between individual women and men and in society at large. During the last few years, a number of measures have been undertaken to counteract violence against women and to support, aid and protect vulnerable women. Amongst those measures, legislation and changes to existing legislation, e.g. increased penalties for a number of violent and sexual crimes, might be pointed out. New rules have also been introduced to increase the protection of children against sexual abuse. Efforts have also been made with respect to preventive measures, e.g. training of personel within the legal system, social services and health care system.
Furthermore, the National Police Board has received funds for the development of emergency protection for women subjected to violence or at risk. This protection is now available at all police districts in the form of specially equipped emergency kits, containing cellular phones, alarm systems for the home etc. Threatened women can, in particularly serious cases, receive body guards, free of charge.
In the beginning of the 1990s, the Goverment allocated funds for the setting up of a chair in sociology, specifically women's studies and with a particular focus on issues related to violence against women, at Uppsala University.
Measures 1995 - 1997
* The Commission on Violence Against Women submitted it's final report to the Government in 1995. The Commission had, according to its terms of reference from the Government, the task of carrying out an overview of issues relating to violence against women and to propose additional measures, inter alia, within the legal system, social services and health care. The Commission had the duty of preparing its proposals from a women perspective. The Commission's report was sent to a large number of organisations and government authorities for their views before the Swedish Cabinet Office continued with the work of preparing the Commission's proposals. Those viewpoints were compiled into a single report in the autumn of 1996.
* A national centre for women who have been assaulted and raped was established during the autumn of 1995. The initial stage of the centre's activities has been financed with state funds. The task of the centre is to carry out patient admissions, research and development, and to provide training and information. The centre also provides hotlines around the clock.
* The Government has increased the financial support to the Swedish NGO for emergency shelters for battered women (ROKS) .
* The Government has supported various projects (including information activities) related to violence against women.
* In order to stimulate increased knowledge and debate concerning men and violence, the Government convened a conference on men and violence in the beginning of 1997. The aim was to focus particularly on the role of men and men�s responsibility with regard to violence against women.
* Also in the beginning of 1997, a hearing was organised with respect to violence against migrant women.
Continued measures
* During the fall of 1997, the Government will, as a result of the report of the Commission on Violence Against Women, present a Bill to Parliament with proposals to further counteract violence against women. The Government Bill will deal, inter alia, with issues relating to legislation, notably the Penal Code, the judiciary, the social services and health care system, as well as financial support to NGOs working to protect women who have been subjected to violence. Issues related to the training of personel in the judiciary and other authorities will also be considered. In addition, the Bill will contain further measures to counteract prostitution. In the context of preparing the Bill, work is also being undertaken in order to consider ways and means to strengthen the present provisions concerning female genital mutilation and the provisions in the Equal Opportunities Act relating to sexual harassment.
* The Government will make continuous efforts to improve the situation of women victims of crime.
* The Government will consider whether measures are necessary in order to prevent the risk that women, moving to Sweden due to a connection with a person residing in Sweden, are exposed to abuse or other offensive treatment by such person.
* Sweden will continue to work with issues regarding trafficking in women.
