Closure of Sheltered Accommodations Raises Concerns for Women in Abusive Relationships

New regulations, effective April 1, 2024, mandate that private operators must obtain a license from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo) to operate sheltered accommodations for women. While some advocates initially welcomed these quality improvement measures, they have also led to the closure of numerous smaller shelters, particularly those run by non-profit organizations.

Many of these organizations have struggled to meet the stringent requirement of round-the-clock staffing, which has contributed to their inability to maintain operations. Additionally, a decline in placements over the years, coupled with insufficient funding, has exacerbated the situation, resulting in the shutdown of various shelters.

According to the National Board of Health and Welfare, as of spring 2024, there were 257 recognized sheltered accommodations, with nearly half operated by non-profit entities. The impact of these regulatory changes has been especially pronounced in northern Sweden, where most shelters in Norrbotten have closed their doors.

These closures have resulted in significant gaps in support services. Olga Persson, the president of Unizon, highlights the challenges women face in accessing help, stating that some may need to travel 20 to 30 miles to find physical support. In Gällivare, for instance, the local women's shelter Nike ceased operations shortly before the regulations came into effect, citing financial constraints.

Currently, some shelters in Norrbotten are still providing daytime counseling services, but the lack of accommodations remains a pressing issue. The municipality of Gällivare does offer temporary housing options, but advocates argue that these measures are inadequate. They note that many women escaping economic abuse cannot afford to live in new apartments that cost around 10,000 SEK monthly.

The demand for assistance for women affected by violence in Gällivare is considerable. In just the first four weeks of this year, seven women sought help from the local shelter, while over 35 women reached out last year during approximately 550 interactions.

The shelter operates primarily on government grants and municipal support, but its resources are dwindling. Staff members express a desire to re-establish their accommodations to provide a safe haven for those in need.

Since the introduction of the new regulations, a total of 203 applications for licenses to operate sheltered accommodations have been submitted to Ivo, with only six being approved, none of which are located in northern Sweden.

Persson warns of the risks associated with the absence of local sheltered accommodations, emphasizing that many women may feel compelled to remain in abusive relationships due to a lack of viable alternatives. She calls on the government to reconsider the implications of the new regulations, particularly in areas like Norrbotten.

In response to these concerns, Fredrik Lennartsson, acting head of the licensing department at Ivo, stated that the regulatory process aims to ensure high-quality support for individuals needing protected accommodations. The focus is on verifying that staff members possess the appropriate qualifications and that there is adequate staffing.

Camilla Waltersson Grönwall, the Minister for Social Services, commented that non-profit organizations can receive government funding to meet the new quality standards. The government has also tasked the National Audit Office with monitoring and evaluating the effects of the reform. She emphasized that municipalities have a crucial role in ensuring access to sheltered accommodations for women across the country.

As of April 1, 2024, new provisions were enacted under social services legislation and regulations concerning the placement of children in protected accommodations. These changes aim to enhance the protection of individuals subjected to threats, violence, or other forms of abuse, while also reinforcing the children's rights perspective for accompanying minors.

Under the new law, operators must secure a license from Ivo to run sheltered accommodations, a measure intended to eliminate inadequate service providers and elevate overall quality. Municipalities and regions that operate such facilities are required to register with Ivo's care registry.

Entities seeking Ivo's authorization may continue their operations while awaiting a decision on their application. However, if denied, they must cease operations immediately.

As of spring 2024, it was reported that approximately half of the 257 identified sheltered accommodations were operated by non-profit organizations.