Domestic violence is a serious and to some extent hidden social problem. All use of violence is prohibited under Norwegian law and represents a violation of fundamental human rights. Violence and abuse within families and couples is especially serious, and has major ramifications for all those affected. Domestic violence is unacceptable, and every effort must be made to prevent and combat such actions.
In November 1999, a government action plan on violence against women was launched. This plan was directed toward violence in the private sphere, more specifically defined as violence against women.
In April 2003, Report No. 29 (2002-2003) to the Storting relating to the obligations of family life and parenthood was submitted. The topic of domestic violence was given particular emphasis in chapter six of this document. In December 2003, a government-appointed commission submitted Norwegian Official Report 2003:31 entitled The Right to a Life without Violence.
In June 2004, the Action Plan on Domestic Violence was implemented. This plan specifies 30 measures designed to fulfil the following four primary objectives:
- Improving the level of cooperation and knowledge in the support services.
- Increasing awareness of domestic violence and preventing it through changes in attitudes.
- Ensuring that victims of domestic violence receive adequate help, protection and support.
- Breaking the spiral of violence by strengthening treatment programmes for perpetrators.
Measures under the action plan include support to a three-year national project “Children who live with violence in the family” and a greater focus on the perpetrators of domestic violence.
In January 2004, the Norwegian Centre for Studies on Violence and Traumatic Stress was established. The purpose of the centre is to develop, maintain and spread knowledge and expertise that can help to prevent, and reduce the health-related and social impacts of, violence and traumatic stress. The centre’s main activities comprise research, development, education and competence-building, consultation and supervision as well as dissemination of information.
Norway has approximately 50 shelters providing protection to battered women and children. Many of these shelters are initiated and run by non-governmental women's groups. These shelters are co-funded by local and state authorities. If the local authorities allocate 20 per cent of the funding for each shelter, the State will provide the other 80 per cent. Norway has roughly 17 centres providing help to the victims of incest, and these are funded in the same fashion.
The number of immigrant women seeking help from shelters has risen in recent years. In 2004, approximately 48 per cent of the shelters’ users were from immigrant groups. These women and their children are often in an extremely vulnerable situation, and efforts have been launched to tailor services at the crisis centres more specifically to their needs. The Government has also implemented action plans against forced marriages as well as against female genital mutilation.
In 2002, a position as family violence coordinator was established in each Norwegian police district to enhance police efforts to prevent domestic violence.
In Norway, assaults involving violence within the private sphere are prosecuted under the general provisions of the Penal Code. Victims of sexual or domestic violence are eligible to receive free legal aid. This applies to women who have been abused by their spouses or cohabitants as well as to prostitutes. In 1988, unconditional prosecution was introduced in all cases of domestic violence. A criminal case may be brought before the court even if the victim withdraws the formal report. Another effective means of combating violence against women lies in the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, which stipulate that an individual can be prohibited from entering a specific area or contacting another individual if there is reason to believe that the former will violate the latter’s right to be left peacefully alone.
By the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Equality