When “Elin’s” partner at the time comes into the bedroom one evening and says he wants them to go their separate ways, everything changes. The answer “If that’s what you want”, is not what he wanted.
After a blow to the back of the head with a cast iron pan, everything goes black.
– I thought that I will not see my child again, hear the birds chirping the morning after, not see the light of tomorrow. But above all, I was terrified of what he would do to my child if I don’t get out of this alive, she says.
For almost three years she has lived in hiding. But neither a protected identity, which she had for two years, nor a contact ban have protected her.
– There is no point in issuing any kind of contact ban or restraining order if it is not followed, she says.
Reported 24 times
“Elin” managed to leave Germany where they lived together. Today, she has sole custody of their children, but despite the no-contact order, her former partner has not stayed away. When she reported the violation for the 24th time, a letter was made. “A finger of warning”.
– I can think that social protection is to help a victim of violence to try to return to as normal an everyday life as possible, above all for the child. But that support does not exist today, she says.
– If you are going somewhere, you must check that the tires are not cut. You are constantly looking over your shoulder. You cannot go to a playground, or let the child play outside in the yard.
The National Audit Office’s review shows that far from everyone who needs protection from violence, threats or harassment receives it from the state. And for those who get it, the protection is not strong enough.
– I would like to say that here in Sweden we have neglected the interests of crime victims and their need for protection and support for a long time. This government is implementing a large number of measures to raise the perspective of crime victims, says Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg (L).
“Will get the help needed”
Tougher penalties for certain violent and sexual crimes and more arrests are cited as examples. She says that the government has received an investigation regarding the legislation for contact bans.
But “Elin” emphasizes that a change must take place now.
– Above all, there must be a support package for women so that they dare to leave. It must be possible to make a call, there must be financial support such as housing. You must get the help you need to be able to feel that you have the strength to leave. Because that is usually where the problem lies.
Elin is actually called something else