Two young children described growing up with domestic violence in their home near Bergen. Their testimony came during court proceedings against their father, who faces charges for killing their mother and mistreating them. The case has shocked the local community and highlighted serious questions about family violence in Norway.
The tragedy unfolded on January 7 when Tina Milena Solberg, a 33-year-old mother of two, was killed inside her family home in Ăygarden. Police discovered her remains in the trunk of a burned vehicle later that morning. Her children, both elementary school age, were present in the house during the fatal attack.
During emotional police interviews at Bergen's State Children's House, the children recounted years of physical and psychological abuse. One child described waking to find their mother breathing heavily on the bedroom floor. Their father allegedly asked for water but instructed the child not to reenter the room.
"When mom isn't home, he can do whatever he wants with us," one child told investigators. "That's when it's worst." The children detailed specific incidents where their father used violence and threats against them and their mother. They said threats included destroying their belongings and physical harm.
The 35-year-old defendant has admitted to the killing and desecration of the body but denies the child abuse charges. His defense lawyer acknowledged some mistreatment occurred but disputed the prosecution's characterization of systematic abuse.
In courtroom scenes that captured the case's emotional weight, the defendant alternated between watching video of his children's testimony and turning completely away from the screen. He sometimes shook his head during the playback.
The children's testimony forms crucial evidence in the case according to prosecutors. Their court-appointed guardian expressed outrage at suggestions they hadn't witnessed key events. "The two children have seen too much," she stated, adding she lacked words to describe the horror they experienced.
This case exposes the hidden reality of domestic violence that often occurs behind closed doors in Norwegian homes. Despite Norway's reputation for gender equality and social welfare, such tragedies reveal systemic gaps in protecting vulnerable family members. The children now face rebuilding their lives without either parent present.
Norwegian courts take child testimony seriously in domestic violence cases, with specially trained interviewers conducting sessions at dedicated facilities. The country has strengthened laws against family violence in recent years, but this case shows implementation challenges remain.
International readers should understand that while Norway typically ranks high in quality of life indexes, domestic violence affects families across all socioeconomic backgrounds. The case continues through the Norwegian legal system, with the defendant remaining in custody awaiting further proceedings.