Speech
New York 26 February 2008
Nyamko Sabuni, Minister for Integration and Gender Equality
Side Event on men's violence against women, CSW52 in New York
Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to be hosting this Side Event together with my Nordic colleagues, and I hope to be able to contribute to a fruitful discussion on an issue that unfortunately never ceases to be important.
Men's violence against women, is a serious obstacle that prevents women from realising their potential and aspirations. Not only does this violence violate women's physical integrity, it also severely damages and hinders women's enjoyment of their human rights.
Combating this violence is a high priority issue for the Swedish Government. November last year the government presented the first Swedish action plan to combat men's violence against women, violence and oppression in the name of honour and violence in same-sex relations. The measures contained in this action plan lay the foundation for raising the level of ambition in fighting against men's violence against women. With investment in 56 specific measures expected to amount of 80 million euros, this action plan is a historic show of joint resolve against violence. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about what the action plan contains.
In drawing up the action plan, the Swedish Government took the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women as its point of departure.
Another important point of departure was the perspectives and needs of the individuals who are subjected to such violence. The experiences of authorities and NGOs that work against this violence have also been important in the making of the action plan.
The action plan can be summarised in six established points:
1) People subjected to violence need better protection and support. All victims of crime must be treated in a professional manner, regardless of who they are or which part of the country they live in. The local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that victims of crime receive the help and support they need. Support and protection must be given throughout the entire process, from the first point of contact, through legal proceedings, and afterwards.
2) We need to work more preventively. Preventive work that is broad in scope and that is directed at both women and men, also at people who are not directly affected in their everyday lives. Children and young people are important target groups for preventive work. This is why it is important to introduce early measures in schools and other places where children and young people spend their time. The establishment of a virtual youth center on the Internet for young people is one example of what we do in this area.
3) We must ensure enhanced competence, quality and efficiency in the legal system. The justice and law enforcement chain must function efficiently so that crimes are investigated and perpetrators prosecuted in a timely manner. Society's reaction and punishments must clearly reflect the seriousness of the violation that this kind of crime represents for the victims. Improving police capability to prevent and investigate men's violence against women by enhancing competence at every police authority will be done.
4) We must develop measures directed at the perpetrators of violence. If we are to put an end to violence against women, the men who hit women must stop this behavior. All men convicted of this type of crime must be requested to take part in an appropriate treatment programme. Measures directed at men who use violence must be evaluated, developed and quality-assured.
5) We must have greater cooperation between various actors. Greater cooperation within and between agencies and other actors who come into contact with people who have been subjected to violence is crucial in ensuring that vulnerable people get the help they need. Regulations and familiar routines must not hinder deeper cooperation.
6) We need more knowledge. A new research programme will help to increase knowledge in this area. And through awareness-raising measures and training we will develop skills at agencies and NGOs that comes in contact with people subjected to violence and the perpetrators of violence.
These are just some of the measures that the Swedish Government is implementing during this electoral period. We hope that our action plan will be able to serve as an example of steps that can be taken by governments to combat men's violence against women. We have also been inspired by other countries' work when creating our action plan, not least by the action plans that our Nordic neighbours have implemented. The international exchange of experiences is an important driving force and source of knowledge.
At the moment, the Swedish government is preparing another action plan focusing on combating prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
We know that if we are ever going to put a stop to men's violence against women, nationally as well as globally, this will require comprehensive, systematic and long-term work. Our action plan is an important step on the long path towards ensuring women's and girls' safety, security and freedom from violence.
Thank you for your attention.
