Boys in honour-based violence cases left unprotected, SVT investigation finds

Two out of three boys in families under suspicion of honour-based violence remain in their homes, even as most girls are taken into care, an investigation by Swedish public broadcaster SVT has revealed.

Social services data from the first quarter of this year show 103 children in such families were subject to compulsory care orders (LVU). Of these, 66% of girls were removed from their homes, compared to just 28% of boys. Police investigations were ongoing in nearly half of the cases.

Adam, who grew up in a Christian Iraqi family with rigid gender roles, described being forced into a pattern of violence to uphold family honour. “I remember once putting my sister in a chokehold in the kitchen. We are trained to be soldiers in the honour context,” he said. He now regrets his actions and lectures about his experiences.

Mikael Thörn of the Swedish Gender Equality Agency called the disparity in protection a failure. “It shows that girls are the most visible victims, but boys still do not receive the support and protection they are entitled to. Preventive work is severely lacking.”

Despite a upcoming legal tightening on honour-based oppression and government funding of 17 million kronor for prevention, coordination and support remain inconsistent. “There are major differences across the country. Support depends on where you live rather than your needs and rights. This is legally insecure and completely unacceptable,” Thörn said.

Adam found help through a boys’ group in the Shanazi Heroes project. Hoshi Kafashi, the educator behind the initiative, explained how boys in honour cultures are shaped early: “You go from boy to man by having power over others. A real man has power over his siblings. You are supposed to be violent. The violence itself gives positive reinforcement.”