850 Swedish-Speaking Victims and Survivors of Childhood Sexual Violence Share Their Experiences Through the Global #OurVoice Survivor Survey
- Protect Children
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 3
REPORT
Our Voice Swedish Survivors: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
New #OurVoice report presenting insights from 850 Swedish-speaking victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, shedding light on critical gaps in Sweden’s systems for preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation, and supporting those affected. Survivors’ experiences highlight the devastating and long-lasting consequences of sexual violence against children, and the systemic barriers and challenges survivors face in seeking justice, recognition, and healing.
«Seen and taken seriously. Thank you for that. Far too often, I feel invisible and worthless when I bring up what I have been through. I think it’s hard for many to have the strength to listen and take it in.» «It was okay, sad but true, but if I can contribute something that can help ONE child, then it’s worth it.» Quotes from Swedish-speaking survivors on how they felt after having participated in the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey. |
Key Findings:
Three in five Swedish-speaking survivors experienced childhood sexual violence at ages 3-9.
Survivors were subjected to sexual violence in childhood on multiple occasions and experienced various forms of abuse.
Nearly half of Swedish-speaking survivors reported that the perpetrator lived in the same household as them.
One in three survivors who disclosed childhood sexual violence did so for the first time 21 years after the abuse occurred.
Nine out of ten survivors have endured long-term consequences as a result of the childhood sexual violence.
Policymakers in Sweden must adopt comprehensive and survivor-centred prevention and support systems, in line with the Council of Europe’s Resolution 2533. By implementing the recommendations of the Council of Europe, Sweden can move toward a future where children are protected for harm, survivors receive recognition, justice and support, and the systemic failures that allow child sexual abuse and exploitation to persist are eliminated.
About the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey is directed at individuals over the age of 18 who have been subjected to sexual violence in childhood. The primary aim of the global Our Voice survivor survey is to raise the voice and wisdom of those who have been subjected to sexual violence in their childhood. The valuable data and information we are collecting through this survey will be used to strengthen child protection measures and victims' rights.
This survey is conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative.
