Sweden records 520 psychological-violence reports under new law

Police received 520 reports of psychological violence by the end of September after Sweden introduced the offence on 1 July. Most investigations were still ongoing, while 210 reports had been closed.

A review by SVT, published on Tuesday, found two convictions across Sweden’s district courts. Both defendants were also convicted of other offences. Two further judgments acquitted defendants of psychological violence.

The figures cover different stages of the justice process and do not show a conviction rate for the 520 reports. Only conduct after the new offence took effect can be investigated under it.

The law passed by parliament covers repeated degrading treatment, improper threats, coercion or surveillance capable of seriously damaging someone’s self-esteem. It also covers long-term improper surveillance and carries a maximum prison sentence of four years.

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