A report from the Children's Ombudsman in Sweden reveals that society is failing to adequately protect children from honor-related violence, with many expressing feelings of neglect from adults who either look the other way or prioritize listening to parents over the voices of the children in danger. This is especially concerning as many children recount experiences of being dismissed and sent home despite revealing their distressing situations.

In the 2026 annual report, 19 in-depth interviews conducted with both girls and boys who have experienced honor-related violence and oppression suggest a pervasive disbelief in children's accounts of their suffering. Juno Blom, the Children's Ombudsman, indicated that there is a systemic issue where children's needs and fears are not adequately recognized, and they face significant barriers in being believed when they disclose their experiences of abuse and fear within their homes.

Additionally, children have reported that adults, including those in social services, often opt to believe and side with the parents instead of advocating for the welfare of the children. This can lead to dangerous situations, as authorities sometimes inform parents about the children’s disclosures, which may further endanger young victims. The report is a call to action for better intervention strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of at-risk children over misplaced loyalties to parental authority.