15 women in Sweden are murdered by their partners every year, and many more are injured. Shockingly, there is little information available about the men who commit these violent acts, as revealed in an investigation by Sveriges Radio’s program Kaliber gryott.
Since 2021, there has been legal support in place to break the secrecy between authorities and help women in these situations. However, this support is hardly utilized. According to a program aired on Sveriges Radio, only 4 out of 28 police group managers and preliminary investigation leaders are aware of any cases where social services or health care have used the law to tip off the police.
Police chief Kristin Larsén expressed her disappointment, stating, “They are terrible at it, in pure Swedish. In fact, very bad at contacting us in any way for any concerns about a victim of violence over the age of 18, it almost never happens in principle.”
The program also featured the story of Tanja Rusanen, a 50-year-old woman who endured a relationship filled with control, violence, and humiliation. Speaking to Expressen, Tanja revealed that the abuse escalated over time, and she was subjected to financial control and physical violence.
The first time her partner resorted to serious violence, Tanja was struck in the throat. Despite seeking help from a women’s shelter and leaving her husband, Tanja never reported her ex-boyfriend to the police out of fear and uncertainty about the evidence being enough.
Tanja is now speaking out about her experiences and plans to publish a book, hoping to inspire others to leave abusive relationships. “I felt the loneliest in the world at this time and I was so incredibly ashamed. I want to tell and hopefully get someone else to leave,” she said.
The lack of support and legal action in these cases has prompted mass criticism, with many calling the situation “unacceptable.” The need for more effective intervention and support for victims of domestic violence is becoming increasingly apparent in Sweden.