Violence and abuse in close relationships

Legislative proposal on shelter services for victims of domestic violence

In its inaugural declaration, the Government stated its intention that women`s shelter services should be made available to everyone in Norway. The main aim of the Government is to ensure assistance and protection to all persons exposed to domestic violence and threats of domestic violence.

Clear prohibition against child punishment

[Press release, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 21.11.2008]

- There should be no more doubt over whether we've abolished with the right of parents to punish children physically and psychologically in Norway. Clarifications to the law are intended to remove all discussion about its provisions," says Minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt. She's now seeking comments on a proposal for changes to the Children Act.

Action Plan for Combating Female Genital Mutilation (2008 - 2011)

[Plan, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 05.02.2008]

February 5th 2008, the Government launched the new four-year's Plan for Combating Genital Mutilation. The Plan contains 41 measures. The Plan constitutes a broad initiative against genital mutilation aimed at preventing genital mutilation and secure easy accessible health care for women and girls who has been exposed to genital mutilation.

Pre-natal support

[Press release, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 14.11.2007]

"Children with parents who are mentally ill or who abuse alcohol or drugs must be followed closely from before birth to the start of school. We have initiated a major project in which specialized teams will guide and assist municipalities in their efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children," says Minister of Children and Equality Manuela Ramin-Osmundsen.

An Indian-Norwegian heroine

[Speech/article, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 07.11.2007]

Dear Sarita Skagnes,Thank you for your book, which I read with great interest. Your story fills me with sadness, anger and sorrow. But most of all you make me proud to be an immigrant and a woman, and you inspire and challenge me through your book and your commitment.

Domestic violence in families with a minority ethnic background

[Speech/article, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 29.10.2007]

There is political consensus in Norway that domestic violence is not a private matter, and that public authorities are responsible for preventing and helping to avert this kind of violence.

Lifting Domestic Violence from the Private to the Public Sphere

[Speech/article, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 04.09.2007]

Gender based violence is the utmost expression of unequal status for women; to work for gender equality is therefore a prerequisite to abolish gender based violence. A vital basis for gender equality, is economic independence for women; economic power.

Combating forced marriage in Norway

[Speech/article, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 04.09.2007]

Thank you for this opportunity to speak upon such an important topic – on behalf of the Norwegian Govt, and take part in the dialogue. We say: No culture, religion or tradition can ever excuse violence in close relations, like forced marriages

Domestic Violence

[Speech/article, Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 09.08.2007]

The Norwegian position is clear; no religion, culture or tradition can ever serve as excuse for violence in the family. Further, domestic violence is not a private matter, but highly political an should be dealt with by Governments.