The roles of preschools, schools and after-school centres need to be strengthened to better detect and counteract honour-related violence and oppression. That is the message from the investigator in the inquiry, which was received today by Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L).
"There is no place whatsoever for honour-related violence and oppression in our society. It is about children and young people being limited in their lives," says Nina Larsson at the press conference.
This could mean not being allowed to go to the bathhouse or sleeping next to someone of the opposite sex on vacation.
Be part of teacher training
The investigator suggests, among other things, that school social teams be expanded to also include preschools and that honour-related violence and oppression should be included in teacher training and other education that leads to work with children.
The investigator also wants the mission of student health to be clarified and that issues such as female genital mutilation should be raised with all girls. Student health should also routinely ask all students questions about violence, honour-related violence and oppression.
Unclear how common
The investigation has not been able to determine the extent of honour-related violence and oppression, but according to Rebecca Lagh, it is "very, very common."
The inquiry also wants to increase work against a culture of honour within school activities.
This could involve staff upholding standards of honour by, for example, adapting to what parents want and allowing guardians to direct certain activities. It could involve children's clothing, says Rebecca Lagh.
The inquiry also suggests that county administrative boards be tasked with providing support to vulnerable people and the school system. Special first-year teachers in sexuality, consent and relationships, and honour-related violence and oppression should be appointed.
The threshold for action needs to be lowered, says Rebecca Lagh.
