The Konstmuseum at Götaplatsen lit up in orange. Photo by Hanne De Coninck.
On November 25th, landmarks around the world, including some iconic buildings around Gothenburg, will light up in orange to mark Orange Day, a United Nations Women’s initiative. “Violence against women is everywhere. We really need to stop this pandemic,” says Sonja Schough, board member at UN Women Gothenburg.
As the world unites for Orange Day, Schough delivers a troublesome warning: the battle against violence toward women has taken a step backward. She explains that the pandemic has undone progress, making urgent action more necessary than ever. This year’s Orange Day theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse,” highlights this shocking rise in violence, with the UNiTE campaign calling attention for immediate change.
“The pandemic was going backwards. Everything went up again,” says Schough.
According to Desiree Chalmers, a member of S-Kvinnor, the feminist branch of the Social Democrats, the post-pandemic economic challenges have trapped many women in abusive relationships. Unable to support themselves, they are forced to stay with their abusive partners.
Rising fears and hidden threats
A 2023 study by the Crime Prevention Council (Brå) reveals that 37% of young women fear being subjected to rape or other sexual attacks.
39% of women aged 16–24 and around 30% of women aged 25 and older report feeling unsafe when out late in their own neighborhoods. Some even refrain from activities altogether because they fear being attacked. These figures are significantly higher than the corresponding proportion among men and have risen by 10% since 2016, reflecting an alarming increase in safety concerns for women.
While public spaces are often seen as the most dangerous, the true threat for many women lies closer to home. Schough highlights that most women aren’t assaulted in parks—“They are attacked at home, in the very place they should feel safest,” she explains.
Åsa Hellgren, a psychotherapist who works closely with women in abusive situations, highlights the unsettling reality that abuse can come from anyone. “He can be a millionaire, a doctor or a police officer,” she says.
A Collective Responsibility
“Violence against women needs to be addressed at every level of society,” says Gabriella Nordwall, a member of UN Women Gothenburg. “Our narrative is that we are the most equal society. We are good, but we are not good enough. There are still violent men, so we need to keep working with it.”
Nordwall highlights the importance of the UN’s HeForShe initiative, which urges men to stand in solidarity with women. “We’ve had a lot of lectures around the city to educate young men. As far as I know, we don’t have anything like this in schools. And maybe we should.”
Desiree Chalmers echoes this wish. “Instead of talking in school about making babies, they should talk about how those babies will treat each other.”
For Schough, the solution doesn’t just lie with the police or social services. “Everyone must take responsibility,” she insists. “If you see something suspicious, try to talk to the person. If that is not possible or you feel uncomfortable, you can also go to the police or social services and make an anonymous registration.”
Why the increase in reported assaults is a positive sign
The number of reported assaults continues to rise in Sweden. Contrary to what one might expect, the graph underneath tells a positive tale. According to Sonja Schough, it highlights the impact of initiatives like “Orange Day” and organizations such as UN Women. “Today, people are much more willing to go to the police and report abuse compared to some years ago,” says Schough.
“We have taken away the silence. It is not your fault. You can report it if you are assaulted,” she states.”
Gabriella Nordwall adds that the awareness is increasing in Sweden. ‘People understand the problem now, but there is still a lot to be done.”
Overall, Schough remains optimistic. “Otherwise, we would give up. From what I can see, the city of Gothenburg is very engaged when it comes to Orange Day and has been for many years.” She also sees a lot of positive changes from the government. “It seems that it is more important today. Just the other day, the government announced it will make divorce easier so women in violent environments can get out quicker.”
The positive attitude of UN Women is reflected in its choice of the colour orange. “It is a bright and optimistic colour that represents our goal of a world free of violence against women and girls,” states UN Women.
What is happening in Gothenburg
Next Monday marks the start of the 16-day UNiTE campaign against gender-based violence. Here in Gothenburg, you can attend many events in the weeks before and after Orange Day.
Until December 10, the United Nations Women is calling on people to take a stand against the assault of women and girls.
“On the 25th of November, we have orange lighting on lots of buildings around the city,” says Sonja Schough. “We also have a light manifestation on Götaplatsen together with a choir. We hope that a lot of people will come.” The event starts at 18:00 and will take place on the steps of Stadsteatern. Accompanied by a choir, candles will be lit in solidarity with women who have fallen victim to abuse.
“We also have the exhibition at the city library. 20 female organisations have worked together to create this. I think it is the first time ever that we have had that kind of cooperation.” The exhibition will be available until the 1st of December. It showcases what is available for women who find themselves in abusive situations. You can also ask questions about what you can do to make a change. Additionally, they have invited several experts to go and speak on the topic.
Are you or someone you know in an abusive situation? You are not alone. There is support and help available.
If urgent or life-threatening, call 112.
The women's peace line (Kvinnofridslinjen)
For those who have been subjected to threats, violence or sexual abuse.
They answer around the clock and make sure you get help regardless of your gender and age.
Tel. 020-50 50 50
Crisis center for women, children and young people (Kriscentrum för kvinnor, barn och unga)
Available 24/7
kriscentrum.for.kvinnor@socialcentrum.goteborg.se
Tel. 031-367 93 80
Lex Femme (Legal hotline and women’s shelter)
Contact them (anonymously) if you need to talk. They offer you free support and legal advice in your native language.
Tel. 020-22 00 55
Social services (Socialjouren)
Opening hours are Mon-Fri 08:00-03:30 / Sat-Sun 24/7
Telephone hours 24/7
socialjouren@socialcentrum.goteborg.se
Address: Stora Badhusgatan 14, evenings, nights and weekends
Tel Gothenburg. 031-365 87 00
The disturbance hotline (Störningsjouren)
You can call the disturbance hotline if you suspect violence at your neighbour's.
Sun – Thu 20:00 – 3:00
Fri – Sat 20:00 – 4:00
Tel. 031-773 83 80
About the data
This article utilizes data from The Swedish Crime Survey (SCS) for 2016 and 2024. These surveys conducted by Brå, examine self-reported crime exposure, fear of crime, trust in the justice system, and victims’ experiences. It surveyed 207.560 people aged 16–84 using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through online and printed questionnaires, with up to four reminders sent. Despite a 31.3% response rate, the data provides valuable insights into crime trends and public safety concerns over time.
The dataset published by Statistikmyndigheten (Statistics Sweden) was used for the visualisations without making any changes or adjustments.