Tougher approach to sexual violations, fraud targeting the elderly and gender-based offences
Published:
The Riksdag voted in favour of the Government’s proposals for amendments to the Swedish Criminal Code. For example, criminal responsibility for rape of children and the purchase of sexual acts carried out remotely will be criminalised. In addition, gender will be added to the provision on the strengthening of penalties for hate crimes.
Anyone who carries out sexual intercourse or another sexual act with a child under 18 years of age with reduced ability to protect their sexual integrity on account, for example, of mental ill health, functional disabilities, or the perpetrator's position of authority, may be sentenced for rape of a child or sexual assault of a child.
The classification purchase of sexual services will be changed to purchase of sexual acts and the criminal area for the offence and for procuring will be expanded to include acts carried out remotely, that is, without physical contact, for example, via a webcam.
The amendments also mean that more cases of fraud targeting older and especially vulnerable people will be regarded as gross offences and lead to tougher sentences.
The amendments will come into force on 1 July 2025.