Safety in Sweden: A Gendered Perspective

In a career spanning 41 years, my experiences as a healthcare professional have always been centered around women. My patients, my colleagues, even my close family members are predominantly women. The notion that women don’t feel safe in Sweden is a misconception that needs to be addressed.

Women’s Safety and Gender Roles in Sweden

Throughout my life, none of my loved ones have ever reported feeling unsafe. Whether it’s early morning walks with their dogs or midnight strolls home from work in Malm?, there’s no suggestion that safety is a concern. This perspective is supported by legal protections in Sweden where any form of sexual intercourse without explicit consent is considered rape. Therefore, asserting that Sweden is unsafe for women is far from accurate. The majority of rape incidents occur indoors, often in domestic situations, and the perpetrator is frequently a relative or someone the victim knows.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that statistically, a larger percentage of women do experience a sense of insecurity. According to the National Security Survey (NTU), 50% of Swedish women aged 20-24 feel unsafe in their close neighborhood and are anxious about going out alone at night. Additionally, 45% of the same age group express concern about being raped. This data indicates that fear can be a significant psychological barrier, but it is important to recognize the broader context that many women still feel safe overall.

Statistical Insights from the National Security Survey

The National Security Survey conducted by bringing together victims of crime to report their sense of vulnerability and experiences of justice and safety highlights important trends. In 2021, 28% of the population aged 16-84 indicated that they feel very or rather insecure. This number has seen a slight decline from 30% in 2020, indicating a small reduction. This trend shows that despite the common belief, the general sense of insecurity has not significantly increased over the years.

The survey also reveals that women are more likely to feel unsafe compared to men. Among women, the highest proportion of those who feel very or rather insecure is in the age group 20-24, at 50%. For men, this figure is much lower, at 19%, with the highest percentage being among men aged 75-84. Women are also significantly more anxious about being subjected to rape or other sexual attacks. Among the population aged 16-84, 11% report feeling very or quite often concerned about being subjected to such attacks, with women in the age groups 16-19 and 20-24 being the most concerned, at 45% each.

Implications and Considerations

The data from the National Security Survey suggests that while there are reasons for concern, the overall sense of safety in Sweden is relatively high. It is important to address the gaps and provide support for those who feel more insecure. This includes promoting awareness, providing resources for safety, and ensuring that legal and social measures are in place to protect individuals from harm.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including education, policy-making, and community engagement. By fostering a culture of trust and support, we can further enhance the sense of safety for all, regardless of age or gender.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Safety is a fundamental human right, and the safety of women in Sweden is a critical concern we must all strive to address. While the data indicates that many women do feel unsafe, it is equally important to highlight that the majority still feel safe enough to go about their daily lives. By understanding and addressing the root causes of insecurity, we can work towards a society where women feel truly safe and secure.