The case in summary A report from Statistics Norway shows that the number of overnight stays in shelters increased by 5 per cent in 2023. More serious violence, more complicated cases of violence and housing shortages are pointed out as reasons why people stay longer in shelters. In 2023, 38 people were killed in Norway, the highest number in ten years. 17 of these were killed by their current or former partner. Head of the Crisis Center Secretariat, Ane Fossum, confirms that the cases are more complicated and require more resources, and that there is often more serious violence involved. Fossum and Cecilie Rønstad Teunissen, manager of the Sunnmøre shelter, also point to a lack of housing as a reason for longer stays in shelters. Teunissen highlights “continuing violence” as a new term, where the violence continues even after the victim has arrived at a shelter. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – We are seeing an increase in the violence becoming more serious and the cases more complicated. Cecilie Rønstad Teunissen is manager of the crisis center for Sunnmøre, and believes that this is one of the reasons why those who visit the centers stay there longer. A report from Statistics Norway shows that the number of overnight stays in shelters increased by 5 per cent in 2023. – 2023 started very badly when it comes to partner murder or murder in a close relationship in Norway. It has an effect in that we are perhaps even more afraid of letting people go too early, says Tenuissen. That year, 38 people were killed in the country. This is the highest number of people killed in ten years, according to Kripos. 17 of these were killed by their current or former partner. The day service at the crisis center for Sunnmøre has increased by around 25 per cent. Photo: Remi Sagen / news At this crisis centre, the demand has been so great this year that they have not had room for everyone. Read the case here. Resource-demanding cases and housing shortage Head of the Crisis Center Secretariat, Ane Fossum, also confirms what Tenuissen at Sunnmøre crisis center tells. – There are more complicated cases that require more resources, where the users need to stay longer. There may be cases that also involve psychiatry or drugs, she says and continues: – But we also receive reports that there are cases where there is simply more serious violence. So there is more serious violence involved in the cases. Head of the Crisis Center Secretariat, Ane Fossum, says several people also cite a lack of housing as a reason why some stay longer in the crisis centres. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news It involves more serious physical and psychological violence, both against children and adults, says Fossum. Cases like this also require several aid agencies to be contacted, such as the police. And if the case is more complicated, it takes longer to get it resolved, they explain. But there is also another reason they both highlight: Housing. – The heart for victims of violence is big Fossum says that in some cases they see that the municipalities lack housing for those who are ready to move out of the shelters. – Then it feels like life is put on hold. That you don’t get ahead. It is extra stressful in an already stressful situation, she says. Cecilie Rønstad Teunissen, manager of the Sunnmøre crisis centre, says that “continuing violence” is a new term. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news At the crisis center for Sunnmøre, they are aware that it can be a problem for several people, but not for them. They have 14 different municipalities they collaborate with. – There has been a very large flow of refugees. Most homes in the municipalities are occupied, but we still notice that the hearts of those exposed to violence are very large, and we are working to find good solutions for the individual. There has been a particular increase in families with children at the Sunnmøre shelter. Photo: Remi Sagen / news More victims of violence visited a crisis center in 2023 compared to previous years. Read the case here. “Continued violence” According to Teunissen, there is a particular increase in the number of families with children who come to the crisis centre. She points out that “continuing violence” has become a new term. – Even if people have come to a crisis centre, and even if there has been a breach, the violence continues in various forms. Perhaps especially in families where there are joint children, she explains. Cecilie Rønstad Teunissen at Sunnmøre crisis center says that the number of overnight stays with them has increased by two days. Photo: Remi Sagen / news Teunissen says that it is important to remember that even if a relationship is over, the violence is not necessarily so. – If there is shared contact, shared care, then he must be able to communicate. This can be very challenging for many. Because what lies in that communication and the exercise of power that takes place then. This is more something to be aware of. She emphasizes that she cannot definitively say that “continued violence” is a reason for increased overnight stays. With them, it has increased by two days. Hi! Do you have any tips for other things we should look at in connection with this, or just tips for something completely different? Feel free to send me an e-mail! Published 26.11.2024, at 22.04
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More people are staying at crisis centers for longer: – The violence is getting worse
