– We have had a very big rise, says Lin Hjelmeland Finjord, nurse at the abuse center in Sogn og Fjordane. She shows the way into the reception in Førde, where it has been very hectic at times over the past year. At the start of November, they are up to 68 cases, while in the whole of last year they counted 54 cases. In the brown paper bags, things that could be evidence in a court case are put in before they are carefully labeled. But the reception can help with all kinds of health care in addition to ensuring traces, says nurse Lin Hjelmeland Finjord, nurse at the abuse reception in Sogn og Fjordane. Photo: Astrid S. Korsvoll / news In almost the entire region West, under which Førde lies, there has also been an increase. Half of the patients are under 18 and most are girls. What the large increase is due to is complex and difficult to determine, says Hjelmeland Finjord. But a lot of drugs and poor mental health among several young people can play a role. That children use the internet as sexual information is another reason, she believes. She says that several of the patients have signs of strangulation and violence. 72 per cent increase in the last ten years Also in Drammen and Oslo, they have a larger increase than last year. Increase at several shelters news has asked for figures from abuse shelters throughout the country about the situation so far this year and how many cases there are so far this year. We have received answers from: Helse Nord Hammerfest: The reception has 7 cases so far this year. Last year there were 17 cases, but due to reorganization is not comparable. Tromsø: So far this year, 57 people have visited the reception. Last year, the reception had a record of 81 patients. Helse Vest Bergen: So far this year: 174 patients. In 2023: 230 patients. Førde: So far this year: 68 cases. In 2023, 54 cases. Haugesund: So far this year: 35 cases. Last year the number was 35. Stavanger: So far this year: 178. Last year the number was 226. Health South-East Drammen: 115 so far this year. In 2023 94 Elverum: So far this year: 35 cases. 2023: 43 cases. Kristiansand: So far this year, 118 people have visited. In 2023, the number was 179. Lillehammer: 36 cases so far this year. 44 cases in 2023. Oslo: Has 2–3 per cent more cases so far than at the same time last year. In 2023, the reception had 645 cases. Sandefjord: 112 cases so far this year. In 2023: 95 cases. Eline Thorleifsson, section supervisor at the abuse center in the capital, does not necessarily think the increase is due to more sexual abuses. She believes that better knowledge of the reception, as well as more openness about sexual abuse in society, can also play a role. But all over the country, talk has gone the wrong way. Since 2013 and until 2023, reception in Norway has increased by 72 per cent. Figures from the National Competence Center for Emergency Medicine (NKLM) show so. The number of patients at the abuse center shows a steadily rising curve, with a drop during the corona pandemic. Photo: National Competence Center for Emergency Medicine A major, national survey that came out last year also shows an increase, both in rape, partner rape and rape. 1 in 5 women said they had been raped. The last time a similar survey was carried out in Norway was in 2014. At that time, 1 in 10 women said that they had been raped. One reason for last year’s increase is that last year’s survey also looked at sleep rape, explains researcher Maria Teresa Grønning Dale, who led the survey. – But it is difficult to establish the reason for the increase. But regardless of whether it is due to more violence, or increased awareness, there is no doubt that we have a challenge. The number is far too high, says Grønning Dale. Not necessarily more abuse in society. At the same time, there are also large figures in the dark. Only 1 in 10 who were subject to rape last year visited for a medical examination or treatment, according to the NKVTS’s population survey. – Since there are so many hidden figures, it is also difficult to know the reason for the rise in reception, says researcher Dina Midttun in Norce. The competence center against sexual abuse, Nok Sogn og Fjordane, also sees an increase in people making contact. Daily manager Chatrine Elholm does not necessarily think this is due to more abuse in society. – Campaigns such as Metoo may have created awareness and made more people confident to speak up, says Elholm, and says it is incredibly important to work preventively to teach children and young people about the body and boundaries. Many remember little or nothing While many abuse receptions report an increase, the reception in Bergen lags behind last year so far with 174 patients. Last year they ended up at a total of 197. Here, as elsewhere in the country, most of the patients are young girls and women. Many come after experiencing abuse in connection with parties and nightlife, where drugs are often involved. Most of the perpetrators from before. Have you been the victim of abuse? You can seek help here: Senior doctor Eivind Damsgaard in Bergen says a third of patients remember little or nothing of the abuse. – They may wake up in a hotel room without clothes. Maybe they are a little sore in the abdomen, but don’t know why they have ended up where they are. – Many feel guilty when they come here because they may have had too much to drink, but we welcome them with open arms and help them anyway, says senior doctor Eivind Damsgaard at the rape reception center in Bergen. He says it is important to get to reception as quickly as possible after an assault. Photo: Henrik Hauken / news Regardless of whether the person wishes to take the matter to the police or not, the relevant help will be provided, Damsgaard clarifies. – Things can also come up later that make you want to report to the police. Maybe a video of someone having sex with you suddenly abounds on social media. If someone then wants to take the case further, we have secured evidence, says Damsgaard. Published 12.11.2024, at 05.30
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Large increase in patients at several abuse reception centers in many places in Norway – news Vestland
