Women and children living with protected personal data after domestic violence are often forced to rely on support from voluntary organisations. At the same time, criminal men in renegade activities are offered long-term measures from society. – There are major shortcomings in the long-term support for women and children exposed to violence, says investigator Sophie Nilsson. The comparison is made by the Equality Authority in an investigation into how protection works for people who live with protected personal data, with a particular focus on women and children exposed to violence. 26,000 people in Sweden have today had their personal data protected for various reasons. Today, the investigation is handed over to the government. The investigation states, among other things, that those who live with protected personal data face many difficulties in everyday life. For example, it could be about difficulties in finding a job and accommodation, or that the children do not dare to take part in leisure activities. – There are major shortcomings in the long-term support for women and children exposed to violence, says Sophie Nilsson, investigator at the Agency for Equality. Serious consequences if the protection is revealed The investigation compares the vulnerability of women and children with defector activities for criminals where society offers structured and long-term measures. One business offers an 18-month program and then two years of follow-up. – We suggest that you should review and investigate whether you could set up a similar activity for women who have been subjected to violence, says Sophie Nilsson. Women who live with protected personal data because they have been exposed to violence in intimate relationships experience the consequences if their protection is removed to be more serious compared to people who have protected data for other reasons. The investigators also state that court decisions that children must spend time with a violent father can have several negative effects. You risk both that the protection is removed and that it has negative consequences for the children’s mental health. Want to see more long-term support The authorities’ work with and approach to those who live with protected personal data has improved in several ways in recent years, but many times the authorities still find it difficult to predict and understand the consequences if protected personal data is disclosed. The Equality Authority provides a long list of proposals in various areas to improve the protection of women and children exposed to violence with protected personal data. Among other things, it is about the long term, access to community services, work and school, housing and the financial consequences of living with a protected identity. Sophie Nilsson underlines that, after all, she is happy that many of the things reviewed have actually improved during the course of the investigation, but that she wants to see more long-term support from society.
t4-general
Society fails victims of violence – ex-criminal men get more help
