Swedish police have reported 143 cases of alleged rape against women over 60, all involving unknown male perpetrators, since 2022. The statistics, compiled by police from 2022 through January 2026, reveal a pattern of sexual violence targeting the elderly, primarily within care systems. Criminologist Anders Ă–stlund, who works at the Swedish Police Authority, noted the unusual profile of the suspects.
"One of the most remarkable things is that very few of the suspected perpetrators now reported have previous criminal suspicions against them," Ă–stlund said.
A Pattern Within Care Systems
The data shows the alleged assaults are not random. The vast majority of reports are against men working in home care services, followed by men employed at nursing homes. Reports also include men driving special transport services for the elderly and doctors suspected of assaulting elderly patients.
"The vast majority of reports are against men in home care, followed by men who work in nursing homes," Ă–stlund confirmed. "There are also reports against men who drove special transport services and the reports also include doctors suspected of raping elderly patients."
This concentration of reports points directly at systemic vulnerabilities within the structures designed to protect and aid Sweden's aging population. The debate over suspected rapes of elderly women in home care and nursing homes has been intense since it was revealed that several women were assaulted by men within the home care service.
The Offenders and Their Methods
In 32 of the reports concerning suspected rapes of women between 60 and 70, an unknown person followed the victim after social events or parties. This suggests a different method of targeting than the caregiver-related cases, indicating perpetrators may identify vulnerable individuals in public settings.
A striking detail across all 143 cases is the absence of accompanying physical violence. Police found no instances of threats or beatings alongside the alleged sexual assaults.
"In none of these 143 cases of sexual violence has there been any other violence such as threats or assault," Ă–stlund stated. "It probably depends on the fact that it is much easier to attack a 90-year-old than a 22-year-old woman who puts up much more resistance."
This statement underscores the specific vulnerability of the victims due to their age, potential physical frailty, and, in many cases, their dependency on the very individuals accused of harming them.
Systemic Vulnerabilities and Trust Betrayed
The cases represent a profound breach of trust. Elderly women in need of home care or living in nursing homes are in a position of extreme dependency. They rely on caregivers for basic needs, creating a power dynamic that can be exploited. The fact that suspects largely lack prior criminal records complicates prevention efforts, as they do not fit traditional risk profiles.
The involvement of professionals like doctors and transport drivers further widens the net of potential access points to vulnerable elderly women. It suggests the issue is not confined to one type of institution but spans across the entire spectrum of elderly care and services.
Questions of Reporting and Scale
The 143 reports likely represent only a fraction of the actual incidents. Sexual assault, particularly against the elderly, is notoriously underreported. Factors like shame, fear of not being believed, cognitive impairments, or fear of retaliation from caregivers can prevent victims from coming forward. For every reported case, there may be several that remain hidden, suggesting the scale of the problem could be significantly larger.
The police compilation of this data from 2022 onward indicates a formal recognition of the pattern. By quantifying the reports and identifying commonalities, authorities can begin to develop targeted prevention strategies. However, the data alone does not solve the underlying issues of recruitment, oversight, and accountability within care professions.
The Path Forward and Unanswered Questions
The release of these figures raises urgent questions for Swedish municipalities, private care providers, and regulatory bodies. What screening processes are in place for hiring staff in home care and nursing homes? How is supervision conducted to prevent isolated, one-on-one situations from becoming opportunities for abuse? What support systems exist for elderly victims to report assault safely?
Anders Ă–stlund's observation about the lack of criminal history among suspects is particularly challenging. It implies that standard background checks may be insufficient and that prevention must focus more on systemic safeguards, reporting mechanisms, and workplace culture rather than just filtering out individuals with prior records.
The 143 reports are not just statistics, they represent 143 women whose safety was violated, often in their own homes or in places meant to be sanctuaries. As Sweden's population continues to age, ensuring the security and dignity of its elderly citizens in care environments becomes an increasingly critical societal test. The data provides a grim baseline. The response to it will measure the nation's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable.
How Sweden addresses these systemic failures—through improved oversight, victim support, and rigorous accountability—will determine if this number grows or finally begins to shrink.