The Swedish government has put forth legislative proposals to criminalize psychological violence, which is defined as repeated violations manifested through insults, threats, coercion, or surveillance that are aimed at severely damaging a victim's self-esteem. This new law, effective from July 1, aims to address and penalize behaviors that may previously not have had clear legal consequences. The proposed penalties could be as severe as four years in prison, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government views these offenses.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer noted that psychological violence often precedes physical violence, and by criminalizing it, the government seeks to enhance the mechanisms for detecting and preventing systematic violence before it escalates. The law is designed to encompass a variety of abusive practices, including coercive measures regarding an individual’s sexuality or religious practices, and it is particularly focused on protecting vulnerable individuals in close relationships.

This legislative move is a significant step in Sweden's broader efforts to combat domestic violence and strengthen the legal protections available to victims. By classifying psychological violence as a specific crime, the government aims to raise awareness of the issue and encourage more victims to come forward, potentially leading to a cultural shift regarding the recognition and treatment of psychological abuse in society.