Stylist and influencer Kjetil-André Ward (32) says that he himself was sexually assaulted in 2008. He understands well that the media’s coverage of assault cases has ripple effects. – I think it means a lot. I myself was afraid of not being believed, and that is one of the reasons why I have waited so long to share it, he says. Anette Kjeldstedt, general manager at Smiso Vestfold and the Helpline for the sexually abused, says that they experience increased activity when there is a lot of media coverage of sexual abuse. – There are many people who call us all the time, but there are more now that there is more in the media, she says. Kjeldstedt explains that cases such as the Frosta case and the Høiby case can trigger difficult feelings in people who have experienced abuse in the past. Media coverage that triggers Rannveig Kvifte Andresen, general manager at the Dixi resource center against rape, also confirms an increase in inquiries recently. – We have taken it up at work now that we think there is an increased trend. At least for the last two or three weeks, she says. In recent weeks, both the Frosta case and the Høiby case have received a lot of media attention. Both cases involve multiple victims. The Frosta case in particular, where Arne Bye is accused of raping 87 patients and abusing his position for sexual intercourse with 94 women, has shocked many. – The Frosta case is very special in that there are so many people who are offended by the case. And it just started with someone daring to speak up. And then there were more and more people who dared to say that “it has happened to me too”, says Andresen. Rannveig Kvifte Andresen believes that media coverage can lower the threshold for seeking help Photo: Frida Synnøve Høyås / news For Ward, it was the story of a close acquaintance that made him choose to open up about his own abuse. – It had occurred to me earlier too, before the conversation we had, but that was when I was able to properly confirm that “oh, shit, this is actually what has happened”, says Ward. No one has been reported after the abuse, which is said to have taken place in 2008. Transparency is important Ward says that many people feel ashamed and alone after being subjected to sexual abuse. Therefore, openness about abuse and rape is important, according to Ward. – When you see or hear about someone who has had a similar experience, you suddenly aren’t so alone anymore. If they then tell about it completely openly, then it might not be so shameful anymore either, he says. Kjetil-André Ward recently shared a post on Instagram where he opens up about his own abuse. Photo: Instragram Kjeldstedt points out that openness, and having someone to talk to, is the very key to moving forward in the process. – For many, help services such as the Helpline are the only opportunity they have to talk about the abuse they have been subjected to. Andresen believes that media coverage can lower the threshold for seeking help, and emphasizes the importance of media coverage. – I think it is extremely important that the media shine a spotlight on it. Because it is so common to trivialize what you have been exposed to yourself. She believes that when you see others come forward, and see the degree of seriousness, the probability increases for you to a greater extent thinking “maybe it was serious for me too”. The importance of help Kjeldstedt says that the demand on the help lines has been so great recently that they have struggled to answer all the phones. – Many callers have processed their abuse, but media coverage can bring back difficult feelings, and they need someone to talk to, says Kjeldstedt. The feedback from those who call show that the help offer is an important support for many, she says. – Many find that they do not get the help they need in the public assistance system. And that they are very grateful that we exist, says Kjeldstedt. Andresen cites the Hemsedal case as an example of how media coverage can lead to increased activity. In 2014, three men were prosecuted for gang-raping an 18-year-old girl in Hemsedal. The case received a lot of attention in the media and created considerable debate about the legal system in Norway. – The case that I remember best, and which was perhaps the first that I registered, where there was a huge increase, was after the so-called Hemsedal case, she says. Andresen says that many decided to report their cases after seeing the media coverage related to the case. Have you or someone you know been sexually assaulted? If you need someone to talk to, you can use one of these low-threshold services: Helpline for sexually abused people: Call 800 57 000 or write to www.hfsm.no. Dixi resource center against rape: Call 22 44 40 50 or 930 58 070. Center against incest and sexual assault in Vestfold: Call 33 35 77 77 or write to www.smiso-vestfold.no. Mental Health Helpline: Call 116 123 or write to sidetmedord.no. Press 2 for parent support and press 3 for the student telephone on the same number. Acute suicide risk? Call 113 when it is urgent and your life is at stake. Call the emergency room on tel. 116117 for immediate assistance. Published 22.11.2024, at 13.09
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Increased attendance at help services after media coverage of abuse cases – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
