The government’s move against violent men – wants to see extended contact bans

The government wants to extend the contact ban to apply in entire municipalities.

Something that can force violent partners to move to other cities.

– It can of course be a consequence, says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer.

70 percent of all who apply for a restraining order against a violent partner are rejected.

Now the government has drawn up a new investigation to expand protection.

– Men’s violence against women is an extremely large social problem and contact bans are an effective tool to be able to protect vulnerable women and children, says Gunnar Strömmer (M) and continues:

– In today’s situation, previous criminality has been decisive for whether a contact ban can be issued, but the investigator points out that the need is great even if there is no previous criminality. The whole purpose of the investigation is that more contact bans can be issued.

“Must be expanded”

The investigation also suggests that the contact ban should be extended to larger geographical areas. In some cases entire municipalities.

– Today the contact ban is tied to the home, but it is clear that everyone understands that everyday life consists of being able to go to work and take the children to school. To move freely in their local community. Therefore, the contact ban must be extended to larger areas, says Strömmer.

Can perpetrators be forced to move to other cities then?

– Yes, it can of course be a consequence. Or that you must not approach the ex-partner in any case. But now this has to be prepared and it is difficult to say exactly how this will work with our proposals.

Looking towards Norway

Strömmer also says that the technology used to ensure that contact bans are complied with did not work well enough and states that they are looking at how Norway has done.

– From the investigation’s side, it is believed that Norway has a system that is more reliable to be able to enforce this type of contact ban. It may be worth checking what Norway, but also other countries are doing to get guidance.

The proposals are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2025.