1 in 5 Swedish Men Experience Relationship Violence

One in five Swedish men experience violence in close relationships during their lifetime. A new government report reveals this widespread problem often goes undetected. The Swedish Gender Equality Authority conducted the study on male victims of domestic violence. Their findings show multiple agencies could do more to identify and prevent such violence. Statistics from Sweden's National Council for Crime Prevention show 11.7% of men aged 16-84 experienced violence during 2022. Most male victims suffer psychological abuse rather than physical violence. The violence tends to be more severe in same-sex relationships or honor-related cases, according to investigators. Traditional masculine norms prevent many boys and men from seeking help when abused. The Gender Equality Authority proposes several solutions to address this issue. Schools, military conscription centers, and child healthcare services should actively ask men and women about potential abuse. These institutions have regular contact with young people and could identify victims earlier. Sweden's progressive gender policies haven't fully addressed male victimization, showing domestic violence affects all genders. The report highlights how stereotypes about masculinity create barriers to support services that should help everyone equally.