Violence prevention is crime prevention

Our latest report shows that violence prevention must be an integrated part of crime prevention. The link between different forms of violence and other criminal activity is clear. Measures aimed at tackling men’s violence against women, domestic violence, honour-based violence and oppression, and human trafficking also help to prevent criminal careers and reduce organised crime.

“The goal is to prevent violence from arising in the first place. That is why violence prevention and crime prevention must always be connected,” explains Lise Tamm.

Shared risk and protective factors

The report highlights that both violence and crime share common risk and protective factors. This means that the same preventive measures can have an impact on several social problems at once. By addressing harmful masculinity norms and other risk factors from a gender perspective, both violent behaviour and other forms of criminality can be reduced.

“Men are overrepresented in crime statistics, and the majority of all violence is committed by men. We also know that this by no means applies to all men, but harmful gender norms contribute to domestic violence, honour-based violence and oppression, gang crime and violent extremism. That is why the gender equality perspective must be present in all crime prevention efforts,” says Lise Tamm.

Early interventions make a difference

The Swedish Gender Equality Agency emphasises that early interventions are crucial for reducing crime in the long term. Systematic work in preschools, schools, workplaces and local communities can break patterns and prevent the transmission of violence between generations.

“When children grow up in environments marked by violence, the risk of them becoming involved in criminality later in life increases. That is why it is so important to prevent, detect, act, prosecute and provide support at an early stage. It is an investment in both children’s safety and society’s security,” says Lise Tamm.

Collaboration and local responsibility

Achieving lasting results requires both long-term initiatives and cooperation at multiple levels. Municipalities play a key role but need support in the form of knowledge, tools and gender analyses to implement effective measures.

“Municipalities have made significant progress in their work to prevent violence, but more of them need to see it as an integral part of their crime prevention mission. By linking these areas, we strengthen society’s resilience against both violence and criminality,” says Lise Tamm.

Four key conclusions

• Violence prevention and crime prevention must be coordinated to be effective.

• Broaden and further develop perspectives on honour-based violence and oppression.

• Gender perspectives and sex-disaggregated data make measures more effective.

• Early interventions in preschools, schools, workplaces and communities help break cycles of violence.

• Municipalities play a key role but need support to develop local work.

• Connect research and practice.

Building a comprehensive overview

On 3 September, a meeting was held between Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer, Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson, and representatives from 24 government agencies tasked with developing Sweden’s crime prevention efforts. During the meeting, the agencies presented their analyses, initiatives and proposals for further measures as part of the government’s assignment.

The purpose of the meeting was to create a comprehensive overview of current needs in the crime prevention field, as well as the measures being implemented and those planned for the future.

“Crime prevention begins where people live their lives – in working life, in welfare services, and in close relationships. When more public authorities take responsibility for identifying risks and acting early, we strengthen protection against violence, vulnerability and insecurity. This is an important step towards a more equal and safer society,” said Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson in a press release.

Read more:

The report “Preventing Violence Is Preventing Crime” (in Swedish)