1 in 5 Norwegian Women Raped, New Report Links Assault to Self-Harm

One in five Norwegian women has experienced rape, with half of these assaults occurring before the age of 18. A report commissioned by the Directorate of Health reveals that girls who have been raped are two to four times more likely to report self-harm and suicide attempts. Many young survivors say they feared for their lives during the assaults. The report also connects rape to serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and school dropout. Cathrine M. Lofthus, Director General of the Directorate of Health, called the findings deeply concerning. She emphasized the urgent need for immediate action from health authorities. Over the past decade, sexual assault cases have grown more severe, often involving filming, choking, and online sexual blackmail. Oslo alone has seen a 70% rise in reports to assault centers over ten years. Psychologist Kim Stene-Larsen, a lead researcher on the report, stressed that while rape may contribute to suicidal thoughts for some, each case is unique. He underscored the importance of follow-up care for survivors. Support is available through Norway’s free, 24/7 helpline 116 123, run by Mental Helse.