Mens violence against women

Telephone numbers  
In emergencies: 112
 
Police: 0526-114 14
 
Support group for women (Emelie): 0526-104 88, 070-356 85 85

Church: 0526-100 29
 
Hospital: ask for Casualty (akuten) or the Welfare Officer (kuratorn): Swich board 0526-280 00
 
Resource Centre
Adult Resource Centre: switch board 192 77
Support for victims of violcence: 104 15
Child and Youth Resource Centre: switch board 190 00.
 
Crime Victim Support: 070-331 81 89
 
BRIS (Childrens Right In Society): (for children) 0200-230 230, (for adults) 077-150 50 50.
 
Terrafem (20 languages spoken): 020-52 10 10
 
Sister support group Somaya (for Muslims): 020-81 82 83
 
Youth Clinic: 0526-196 26
 
A brochure by the network for women's peace in Strömstad - 2008
The group can be reached by the municipality switch board
Phone No: 0526-190 00.

Violence against women
Every fourth woman (25%) over the age of 15 has experienced physical abuse from a man (according to the investigation Slagen Dam (Beaten Queen), BRÅ:2001).
 
Violence against women according to the UN  
Violence against women as a result of their gender. Violence that injures or produces physical or psychological damages. Violence that involves threats, constraints, or prevents a person from doing what she wants to do. Violence against women is physical abuse, rape and sexual assault. Psychological violence can, aside from threats, be sexual harassment/insults in the work place, at schools or in the mass media.
 
Violence against women is a crime against human rights.

What does the law say?
Anyone can report a crime against women's peace to the police, even anonymously. The man can be charged even if it is not the woman reporting the crime. Assault, molestation, rape, unlawful threats, and grave insults against women's peace all fall under public prosecution, which means the report cannot be withdrawn.
The woman can herself apply for a restraining order. It is the prosecutor who decides. The restraining order means that the man is not allowed to visit, follow, or in any other way contact the woman. Even telephone calls, SMS and emails can result in criminal actions. A breach of the restraining order can result in a prison sentence. If you have been exposed to physical and/or sexual abuse the state may pay for legal aid during the preliminary investigation and trial.

Advice for women who have been abused
 
Slaps, kicks and pushes are examples of different types of abuse and these are criminal actions. It is the same for forced sexual actions. Psychological abuse in the shape of threats or humiliations and insults is criminal and punishable. Abuse is always a crime.
Report to the police! Seek medical advice and insist that the injuries are documented in your file. Seek help!
 
Make contact with the support group for women - where you will receive support and advice. All staff are bound by confidentiality.
 
You are not alone. Tell someone you trust what has happened to you. There is help to be had. The police can supply  alarms and they can walk their dogs outside your home. The support group for women and the church can supply a temporary residence and other support. The social services and health care services can give different forms of help and support.
 
You cannot change another person. You can only change your own situation.

Advice to women with children:
¤ Children often know what has been going on, even if they have not seen anything. It may ease their worries if an adult starts telling them what is happening. Listen to their reactions. Seek contact with those children who are withdrawn.
¤ Children always have the right to information in regards to what has happended/ will happen.
¤ Does this feel difficult? Ask someone else to be there and to support you.