The government's new action programme against men's violence against women is being criticised for having too little focus on women's shelters and protected housing.
We lack a zero vision and a clear goal, says Olga Persson, Unizon's chairperson.
No special investment in protected housing is seen in the government's plan.
Not including women's and girls' shelters and their knowledge and expertise in this, we see as very problematic, says Camilla Andersson, chairperson for The National Organisation for Women's and Girls' Shelters in Sweden (Roks).
According to Unizon, there has been a trend over time that fewer women and children are getting access to protected housing.
We want to see an allocation of funds to the country's municipalities that would enable women and children to more easily gain access to a safe place to live. Protected housing is also support and practical help and a time for healing, says Olga Persson.
No Focus
Men's violence against women and honour-related violence should be combated with the same force as gang crime, according to the government. But Unizon is missing its demand for a crisis council similar to the one against serious organised crime.
Roks strongly criticises the long name of the action programme: "against men's violence against women, violence in close relationships and honour-related violence and oppression."
It's patriarchal structures throughout. It becomes very broad and loses its focus, which we see as a danger, says Camilla Andersson.
"Must be Included"
The "Leave Programme" which is to work for women and children to get equal support throughout Sweden is something both organisations view positively. But there is a lack of special governance and leadership of this, according to Unizon.
Most women who leave have contact with 6-10 authorities, it requires a responsible authority, explains Olga Persson.
We see that the work must be based on our knowledge, that we must be included in this for it to be sustainable, says Camilla Andersson.
Roks, The National Organisation for Women's and Girls' Shelters in Sweden, is a Swedish, politically independent national organisation for over 100 of the country's girls' and women's shelters. The organisation was formed in 1984 and was called The National Organisation for Women's Shelters in Sweden until 2000.
Unizon is a national association that gathers over 140 women's shelters, girls' shelters, youth shelters, and shelters working against sexual abuse and incest. The association is politically and religiously independent. The association's shelters cater to people regardless of gender and actively work against homophobia and transphobia.
Source: roks.se, unizonjourer.se
