Webinar recap: Preventing honour-based violence in the Nordics

New Nordic study: from policy to practice

A central part of the webinar was the presentation of key results from a new Nordic study reviewing organisation of policies and criminal legislation related to honour-based violence and oppression in the Nordic countries. 

The study examines how the area is regulated in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the autonomous regions, highlighting both similarities and significant differences. While there is a certain degree of consistency across the Nordic countries, the analysis also shows that national approaches vary considerably in scope, structure and legal design. 

Most of the legislation reviewed is fairly new and was introduced during the 2020s. In several countries and regions, political discussions and policy work are still ongoing, showing that this area is still developing. 

Similarities and differences in Nordic legislation

The review shows that Denmark (including the Faroe Islands) and Sweden stand out in different ways. Denmark and Sweden both have well‑established and clearly defined laws addressing honour‑based violence. Sweden stands out by applying a broad legal definition of honour‑related violence, describing it as repeated acts of abuse motivated by honour. In Sweden, this means that courts and case law play a larger role in deciding how honour motives are understood and applied in practice. 

All Nordic countries and autonomous regions, except Greenland, criminalise forced marriage and child marriage. In all countries, forced marriages are considered invalid and can be annulled. This reflects a shared Nordic understanding of marriage as an agreement between individuals under equal conditions. 

Female genital cutting is a crime in all Nordic countries and autonomous regions except Greenland. In all legislation, it is considered a serious crime. 

Overall, the analysis shows that laws targeting honourbased violence are still quite new in the Nordic countries. Work on new policies is still ongoing, especially in Denmark/the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden. This means that more changes to the laws can be expected. 

Nordic cooperation and ways forward

The webinar highlighted the importance of Nordic cooperation and of learning from effective approaches across countries. It shows Nordic cooperation at its best, says Trine Skriver Høholt Andersen, Senior Adviser at the Nordic Welfare Centre. 

The webinar highlights Nordic cooperation at its best. The issue of honour‑based violence was previously addressed by Integration Norden in our 2020 report. That report emphasised the need for continued mapping of the situation in the Nordic region, as legislation and organisational structures in this field have been rapidly evolving to better protect and support victims. This new report from NIKK provides exactly the update that was needed. Let us continue to ensure that important topics like this receive the necessary attention and knowledge base for policymakers to carry out their work in the best possible way.

The webinar was organised by Integration Norden (NWC) and Nordic Information on Gender (NIKK) on tuesday 24 march 2026. It brought together experts working in ministries and other national actors engaged in this field. 

Read the new report Honour-based violence and oppression in the Nordics. By comparing it with the earlier report (06/2020) Strategier og initiativer til forebyggelse af negativ social kontrol og æresrelateret vold i de nordiske lande, you can see how legislation and policy frameworks in the Nordic countries have developed over recent years.