Crimes against children in Sweden up 16% last year

“Last year there was a big public debate about sexual molestation and what sexual molestation actually is. That can be one of the factors contributing to the increased reporting, which is very good in that case,” Ramsten told Radio Sweden. (Photo: Fredrik Rubensson/ Flickr)

STOCKHOLM–Reported crimes against children in Sweden has saw a dramatic rise last year, public broadcaster Radio Sweden reported Sunday, citing a report issued by the Swedish Prosecution Authority and the Swedish Police.

At the same time authorities shut down five of six investigations, the report said.

In 2016 police received 34,000 reports of crimes against children, up 16 percent compared to 2015. The reports mainly involved threats, abuse of boys and sexual molestation of girls, according to the report.

The fact that more children are inclined to speak out if they have been victimized could be one of the reasons reporting is up, Police Officer Hilda Ramsten, said, speaking with Radio Sweden.

“Last year there was a big public debate about sexual molestation and what sexual molestation actually is. That can be one of the factors contributing to the increased reporting, which is very good in that case,” Ramsten told Radio Sweden.