Table 1 Summary of policy documents

Primary Policy Documents Addressing Sexual Violence

The National Strategy Against Men’s Violence Against Women and Honour-Related Violence and Oppression (2017–2026)

Swedish Gender Equality Agency

Developed as part of the Gender Equality Policy (SKR 2016/17:10).

4 main goals: prevention of violence against women, improved identification of violence and protection of victims, more effective law enforcement response, improved knowledge and methods.

The National Strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) – Good, fair and equal sexual and reproductive health throughout the population (2020)

Public Health Agency of Sweden

Overarching goal: Good and equitable SRHR in the entire population. Sub-goals: (1) sexuality and sexual health - the freedom to decide if when and how they want to be sexually active and to choose their own sexual partners with consent; (2) Reproduction and reproductive health - choose if, when, how many and in what way they want to have children; (3) Empowerment, integrity and identity - strengthen empowerment and bodily integrity. Freedom from discrimination, harassment, violence (including sexual) and oppression; (4) Equal and equitable relationships - right to choose if, when and with whom they want to have a relationship or live with. Also the right to choose to enter into or terminate a marriage.

The National SRHR Action Plan (2023–2033)

Public Health Agency of Sweden

6 priority areas: (1) further develop SRHR as a part of public health; (2) strengthen SRHR promotion and prevention; (3) improve SRHR knowledge in the population; (4) promote equitable access to care, support and treatment services; (5) increase coordination within the SRHR sector; (6) strengthened knowledge generation and monitoring of SRHR.

Action Plan for Equal Rights and Opportunities for LGBTQI People (2020–2023)

Ministry of Employment

8 focus areas: (1) violence, discrimination and other violations; (2) young LGBTQI persons; (3) healthcare and social services; (4) private and family life; (5) culture; (6) civil society; (7) working life; and (8) elderly LGBTQI.

National Action Plan against Prostitution and Trafficking in Human Beings

Ministry of Health and Social Affairs

8 focus areas: (1) improved coordination; (2) strengthen prevention; (3) improve detection; (4) changes to the criminal code; (5) improved support and protection; (6) improve criminal justice response; (7) develop knowledge and capacity; (8) international coordination.

The Swedish Criminal Code

Ministry of Justice

Outlines criminalised sexual violence and possible consequences of the same.

Migration Regime Documents

The Asylum Seeker Reception Act (1994:137)

Migration Authority

Describes the support that can be provided for asylum seekers or persons in need of protection who do not have the right to access social services. The support that can be provided is accommodation within the Migration Authority facilities or an accommodation allowance, daily subsistence allowance and an extra allowance (emergency money) for particular necessities.

The Social Services Act (2001:453)

Municipalities

Promotes financial and social security, equality in living conditions and social participation. Municipialities do this through providing financial support to those unable to sustain themselves as well as addressing particularly vulnerable groups including: children and young people, victims of crimes, the elderly, people with disabilities, people with substance abuse disorders, and people caring for relatives.

The Guardian for Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act (2005:429)

Migration Authority and Social Services

Specifies that unaccompanied migrant children under the age of 18 years should be provided with a legal guardians.

The Aliens Act (2005:716)

Migration Authority

Outlines the different ways and under which conditions foreign-born persons can have right to residence and work in Sweden.

The Aliens Ordinance (2006:97)

Migration Authority

Outlines more details on visa and residence permits as well as rules about the use of coercive measures including rejections and deportations.

The Healthcare for Asylum Seekers Act (2008:344)

Regions

Provides asylum seekers with the right to healthcare, including dental care, which cannot be deferred, maternity care, abortion care and contraceptive counselling.

The Healthcare for Foreigners Residing in Sweden without Necessary Permits Act (SFS 2013:407)

Regions

Provides undocumented migrants with the right to healthcare, including dental care, which cannot be deferred, maternity care, abortion care and contraceptive counselling.

The Upper Secondary School Act (2017:353)

Migration Authority

A temporary law in place until 20 December 2023 and is of particular relevance to young migrants as it allows for temporary residence permits for migrants who have not yet turned 25 years and are enrolled in full-time upper secondary education and valid up to 6 months after graduation.