Honour related violence and oppression

Honour related violence and oppression

Children, young people, and adults in the Nordic countries testify that they are exposed to honor-related violence and oppression. It can be women and men who are not allowed to choose who to live with or girls who are not allowed to choose their friends. It can also be sons who are expected to watch over their sisters, or young people who are not allowed to decide over their bodies or sexuality.

Honor-related violence and negative social control are distinguished by their collective expression. Violence is based on the notion that there is a need to protect or restore a family’s honor or social reputation. It can be both psychological, physical, social and sexual violence. It also includes child marriage, forced marriage and genital mutilation.

The laws of the Nordic countries and the conventions to which the countries have acceded, apply to all Nordic citizens, regardless of origin. The work against honor-related violence and oppression and negative social control rests on the universal declaration of human rights; the right to decide over one’s body and sexuality and the right to a life free from violence and oppression.

A report from the Nordic Council of Ministers maps the countries’ preventive work. The survey has become particularly relevant during the pandemic, since many young people must stay home from both school, leisure activities and work.

Here we present selected activities or projects from the Nordic countries that have proven to be good methods for early detection and risk assessment and/or successful collaboration between social services, schools and police. Under Facts and Research, you will find examples of legislation and national action plans as well as current research.