Survey of honour-based violence and oppression against persons with disabilities in Sweden

Våld

The Swedish Agency for Participation (MFD) has been commissioned by the Swedish government to conduct a survey of honour-based violence and oppression against persons with disabilites.

The survey is based on six qualitative interview studies. Persons with disabilities with lived experience of honour-based violence have also been interviewed. The studies cover the school system, the justice system, healthcare, youth clinics and social services. The majority of those interviewed are professionals working in these sectors.

Summary

The survey identifies several key findings. Exposure among persons with disabilities in an honour-related context is difficult to detect. This exposure is exacerbated by dependence on family support and care. This makes it more difficult for the group concerned to understand risks and to protect themselves against violence.

The family’s lack of knowledge and sense of shame associated with disability also contribute to limiting individuals’ opportunity to access support and seek help. For professionals, it is often difficult to distinguish between legitimate care provided by the family and undue control and oppression.

Knowledge among the profession

Professionals need better knowledge of the specific vulnerability and exposure experienced by this group in an honour-related context. Services working with, for example, schools for pupils with intellectual d isabilities, habilitation services, and activities under the Act (1993:387) on Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairment (LSS) need enhanced knowledge about honour-based violence and oppression.

Professionals within the justice system and social services need deeper knowledge about how violence c an take d ifferent forms against persons with disabilities. The findings also show that progress can be achieved when staff are supported by specialists in honour-based violence and oppression or disability.

Cooperation between actors

Better cooperation between various actors is also needed. The division of responsibilities needs to be clarified in cases where persons with disabilities are subjected to, or at risk of being subjected to, honour-based violence. Professionals also need a shared and easily accessible knowledge base in order to work more effectively.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that long-term measures are required. Efforts to highlight how honour-based violence and oppression affect persons with disabilities continue to face significant challenges. Knowledge needs to increase.

Services that come into contact with this group need to develop more effective methods and approaches. To be able to prevent, detect, and act in cases of violence, clear cooperation, well-defined responsibility between actors, and coherent guidance are required.