Swedish Parliament Considers Violence Against Women Act
Several heads of state in Sweden introduced a Violence Against Women Bill into Parliament.
The bill calls for new and revised legislation, increased social services funding, and more efficiency within the police departments and prosecution services. It was coordinated by the Minister for Equality Affairs, the Minister for Justice, and the Minister for Health and Social Affairs.
One proposal calls for the criminalization of actions that could be described as "gross violations of a woman's integrity," which include sexual, physical, or mental assault by a co-habitator or spouse. Another proposal is to broaden the definition of "rape." Other proposals include the prohibition of prostitution, increased penalties for sex harassment in the workplace, and severe punishment for genital mutilation.
A fact sheet is available in English at a web-site released by the government: Kvinnofrid
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