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In women’s shelters in Sweden, it tends to be a little quieter before the holidays and also before the holidays, such as Christmas.
– Maybe there is an expectation around holidays and important holidays, that they should be together and above all, that they want it to be good and fun for children, says Olga Persson, union president of Unizon.
Many harden
But when the license ends and it is time to return to everyday life, the situation usually changes.
– We expect increased search pressure after weekends because that’s how it usually looks. But now we do not know because it is an exceptional situation. We believe that women bite together and try to toughen up until the social crisis itself gets easier, says Olga Persson and continues:
– To take a bag of clothes, walk straight out the door with three children, and not know where to live during a pandemic is a difficult situation to imagine.
Lost sanctuary
During the special year, to say the least, that has passed with a pandemic that constantly gasps in the neck, women’s shelters have had to find new ways to reach women and children in need of help.
– It can be anything from putting notes in grocery stores and health centers, but above all keeping it open online, digitizing support activities and initiating chats. They have tried to be visible and constantly remind them that emergency services exist, says Olga Persson.
A survey conducted by the organization shows that about a quarter of the sheltered housing of emergency shelters has been empty before Christmas, despite seeing a greater demand for support, mainly through their talks.
– The opportunity for society to reach women and children exposed to violence has been reduced and we are very concerned about this, says Olga Persson.
The right to help
He points out that whoever wants to can always contact a women’s shelter: they are open, it is free and you can be anonymous.
– It is not the case that you do not have the right to receive help just because it is a pandemic, says Olga Persson.
– No one has the right to hit or threaten you or your children just because society in general is in crisis, he adds.
Malin Johanson / TT
Are you or someone close to you exposed to violence in a close relationship? Here is a selection of places you can go for help and support.
Important: Always call 112 in an emergency. You can also contact the social services or social services of your municipality through the emergency number.
Protection line for women (020-50 50 50, 24 hours a day)
A national helpline for those who have been victims of physical, psychological and sexual violence. Family and friends can also call.
All women’s houses (08-644 09 20, Monday to Friday 9-17)
Provides sheltered temporary housing for people who have been victims of close relationship violence and honor-related violence. It receives women, men, their children and companion animals with placement through social services.
Roks (roks.se)
The national organization of women’s shelters and girl’s shelters in Sweden brings together shelters throughout Sweden, some of which offer sheltered housing. Find the hotline closest to you through the Rok website. Click “find an emergency”.
Unizon (unizon.se)
Collect more than 130 women’s shelters, girls’ shelters and other support activities. The website contains contact information for emergency services throughout Sweden, some of which offer sheltered accommodation. Click “find in call”.
Support for Crime Victims (116006, daily from 9 AM to 7 PM)
Provides support to crime victims, witnesses and family members.
Qjouren (08-644 20 32)
A women’s shelter for battered women with experiences of abuse and prostitution.
RFSL support reception (020-34 13 16, Thursday 9-12)
Support for LGBTQI people who have been subjected to abuse, threats and violence. The RFSL support desk also manages protected housing in the Stockholm area.
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