Honour-related Crimes
An honour-related crime is directed at someone, often a relative, who according to the perceptions of the offender and other relatives or the group, has disgraced the honour of the offender, family or group.
Report a crime
For emergency situations
Call 112 if you are being subjected to a crime or see a crime being committed.
For non-emergency situations
Call 114 14 or visit a police station. Contact information in Swedish
Assistance and support
If you are the victim of an honour-related crime, you can contact the police for support and assistance. Seek the nearest police station or call 114 14. If it is an emergency, call 112. The police will write up a report, but can also answer questions or refer you to a support organisation.
The police usually conduct a risk and threat analysis and, where necessary, can help you with various forms of protection, e.g., an attack alarm. You can also turn to social services in your municipality for assistance and support.
In several districts around the country, there are shelters where the staff specialise in helping individuals who have been subjected to honour-related crimes.
Many of these shelters receive children, even in emergency situations. You are entitled to the protection of a shelter as long as is necessary and until you have received help in finding your own accommodation.
Non-profit organisations with hotlines for crime victims are found in most districts in the country. You can locate them, for example, through Kvinnofridslinjen and The Victim Support Association.
Kvinnofridslinjen is a national helpline where everyone, even men, can call free of charge. The lines are staffed around the clock and you can remain anonymous. Your call does not register on your telephone bill.
Importance of reporting
Report the crime by seeking out the nearest police station or calling 114 14. If it is an emergency, call 112. By filing a police report, you make it possible to put an end to the violence or abuse you are suffering. A report can also enable the prosecution of the offenders.
To consider when filing a report
If you are injured, your injuries should be documented by a doctor, preferably with photographs. Also save any threats received on your answering machine, via e-mail or text messages.
Consider also: who could have seen your injuries, if you have written anything in your diary, if there are earlier injuries documented through photographs, et cetera. This may be important evidence. The police can also provide you with further information.
Support in the legal process
In most cases, you have the right to bring along a support person when visiting the police. You decide who is to be your support person. It can be a friend, an official from social services or someone from a victim or women's support organisation. The support person does not receive compensation for their involvement.
You can also receive a legal representative or 'counsel for an injured party'. If granted, this service is free of charge. The counsel for an injured party supports you throughout the entire legal process. If you wish to obtain a counsel, relay this to the police or prosecutor.
Definition of the crime
An honour-related crime is a crime directed at someone, often a relative, who according to the perceptions of the offender and other relatives or the group, risks disgracing or has disgraced the honour of the offender, family or group. This is in order to prevent damage to, or loss of honour, or to repair or restore the damaged or lost honour.