Swedish healthcare for sexual violence survivors - strengthening public health surveillance systems

Abstract There have been 9,700 reported rape cases in Sweden year 2022, however these cases are only about 10-20% of all sexual crimes reported to police. Specialized Sexual Assault Care Centers provide comprehensive healthcare services to survivors of sexual violence operating across six regions in Sweden. The aim of this study was to conduct a demographic survey of patients treated for sexual violence and to identify and analyze inefficiencies in the care pathways for survivors of sexual violence. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing register data collected from the Swedish Patient Register, complemented by a comprehensive literature review and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal that a total of 6,735 individuals received care for sexual violence between 2020 and 2022, with the majority seeking treatment during the acute stage. Notably, young women and girls comprised the vast majority of these patients. The study highlights three key challenges: 1) an uneven geographic distribution of specialized clinics, leading to inequitable access to care, particularly for children; 2) insufficient long-term care and psychosocial support, especially for vulnerable groups; and 3) fragmented care pathways that create barriers for both patients and healthcare providers in navigating the system efficiently. Healthcare for sexual violence survivors is a vital public health priority, addressing both immediate and long-term care needs while enabling systematic prevention and support services. The conclusion of this study is that there is a need for establishing specialised clinics for sexual violence in all regions and developing policies regarding care for most vulnerable patients. Key messages • Lack of cohesive healthcare pathways creates significant gaps where patients remain unaware of available care options and healthcare providers struggle to identify appropriate referral pathways. • Strengthening public health surveillance systems requires establishing specialized clinics for survivors of sexual violence and implementing support policies across all regions in Sweden.