Psychological violence is increasingly recognized as a serious form of abuse that affects both men and women, often with long-lasting effects that can be more severe than physical violence. Historically, the legal system has overlooked this type of abuse, resulting in few criminal charges and convictions. However, recent efforts led by legal experts have culminated in a government proposal to make psychological violence illegal through new legislation, expected to be introduced as early as this summer.

The investigation into the necessity of criminalizing psychological violence was led by Viveca Lång and Jenny Samuelsson Kääntä, who have worked extensively on the proposal. Lång, a high court judge, has significant experience in legislative matters, while Kääntä is a trainee judge currently undergoing specialized judicial training. The new legal framework aims to provide stricter consequences for perpetrators and offer better protection for victims, addressing the inadequacies in the current system where police reports rarely lead to court cases.

This legislative move is seen as crucial in raising awareness about psychological abuse and potentially transforming societal norms regarding such behavior. By establishing clear legal repercussions, the law could encourage more victims to come forward and report abuses, ultimately fostering a legal environment that better supports victims of all forms of violence. The proposed law could reshape the landscape of domestic abuse laws in Sweden, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to address not just physical violence but also its psychological ramifications.