The Children's Ombudsman conducted 19 in-depth interviews with children who grew up with honor-related violence for its 2026 annual report. According to the report, children consistently report not being seen in their vulnerability and needing to prove much before they are believed. Children testify that adults, such as in social services, often choose to listen to and believe parents instead, and authorities sometimes tell parents what they have heard, increasing vulnerability at home.
The violence can be psychological, physical, and sexual. ' Some children note positive experiences with adults who saw and acted. ' The exact number of children exposed to honor-based violence in Sweden is unknown, and specific measures authorities are failing to implement remain unclear.
She didn't trust what I said. She sent me home.
They experience not being seen in their vulnerability, not being asked. They need to prove so much before we believe them.