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"Almost half of all women in Sweden have after the age of 15 been subjected to violence by a man."

 

http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/8811/a/107206

 

Strasbourg 10 June 2008

 

Swedish Minister for Gender Equality Ms Nyamko Sabuni

 

Closing Conference of the Council of Europe Campaign to Combat Violence against Women, including Domestic Violence

 

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

"When needs are greatest, help is closest at hand," as the Swedish saying goes. But this is not always true in reality. All those who are in urgent need of protection and support do not always have their needs seen or addressed.

As Minister, I cannot and may not talk about individual cases. However, nothing can forbid me from feeling concerned and angry. We must remember that behind every statistical figure, there is an individual.

Last year in Sweden, over 26 000 cases of abuse against women were reported. Every year, an average of 17 women are murdered by a man with whom they have or have had a close relationship to. The cases of violence reported to the police account for just 20-25 per cent of all violence that is committed.

Almost half of all women in Sweden have after the age of 15 been subjected to violence by a man.

The right not to be subjected to violence is a question of democracy and human rights. A woman who is subjected to violence is denied her human rights and she loses the opportunity to exercise her own powers to live her life. Our societies have a duty to protect these women.

Violence against women is also a problem for democracy. For those who are subjected to this kind of serious violations, there is no scope for becoming politically active and work for change.

Despite the fact that Sweden has come a long way in terms of gender equality developments, violence against women remains a widespread social problem and a serious type of crime.

Mr Chairman,
In November last year the Swedish government adopted a national action plan to combat men's violence against women, violence and oppression in the name of honour and violence in same-sex relationships. Over 80 million euros are allocated to implement 56 concrete measures during the period of three years. The measures lay the foundation for raising the level of ambition at national, regional and local level in the fight against this kind of violence.

The action plan has a comprehensive approach. Measures to help and support women subjected to violence as well as measures targeting the violent men are developed and quality assured. Special attention is given to children who witness violence. Individuals in vulnerable situations, such as women with disabilities, women with migrant background and women in drug abuse are highlighted in the action plan.

The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women is the ground that the Swedish action plan against men's violence against women builds upon.

Another starting point is the perspectives and needs of the individuals who are subjected to such violence. The experiences of authorities and NGOs working against this violence have also been important in the elaboration of the action plan.

The action plan can be summarised in six established points:

One: people subjected to violence need better protection and support. All victims of crime must be treated in a professional manner, regardless of who they are or which part of the country they live in. The local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that victims of crime receive the help and support they need. Support and protection must be given throughout the entire process, from the first point of contact, through legal proceedings, and afterwards.

Two: we need to work more preventively. Preventive work that is broad in scope and that is directed at both women and men, also those who are not directly affected in their everyday lives. Children and young people are important target groups. It is important to introduce early measures in schools and other places where girls and boys spend their time.

Three: we must ensure enhanced competence, quality and efficiency in the legal system. The justice and law enforcement-chain must function efficiently so that crimes are investigated and perpetrators prosecuted in a timely manner. Society's reaction and punishments must clearly reflect the seriousness of the violation that this kind of crime represents for the victims.

Four: we must develop measures directed at the perpetrators of violence. If we are to put an end to violence against women, the men who hit women must stop this behavior. All men convicted of this type of crime must be requested to take part in an appropriate treatment programme. Measures directed at men who use violence must be evaluated, developed and quality-assured.

Five: we must have increased cooperation between various actors. Increased cooperation within and between agencies and other actors is of vital importance if we are to ensure that women get the help they need. Regulations and routines must not hinder increased cooperation.

And Six: we need more knowledge. A new research programme will help to increase and deepen our knowledge in this area. And through awareness-raising measures and training we will develop skills at agencies and NGOs that comes in contact with people subjected to violence and the perpetrators of violence.

It is in within these six areas that measures are taken and implemented.

We know that if we are ever going to put an end to men's violence against women it will require comprehensive, systematic and long-term work. Cooperation at the international level is vital. The international exchange of experiences is an important driving force and source of knowledge. I believe this campaign has shown this and it is obvious that the Council of Europe can play a crucial role in combating violence against women.

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