Increasing instances of aggression among young Swedish women
In the heart of Scandinavia, Sweden is grappling with an alarming escalation in crime, particularly among its teenage population. Last year, investigations were initiated against approximately 280 girls aged between 15 and 17 years old, implicated in murder, manslaughter, or other violent crimes.
This concerning trend has prompted the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention to embark on a comprehensive study, scheduled for publication in October. The study aims to delve into the types of crimes committed by women and girls, as well as the violence they are exposed to.
One such case, reported by Prosecutor Ida Arnell, involves a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly hired for a hit. In this instance, the girl chose to target the head of the victim, resulting in life-threatening gunshot wounds to the neck, abdomen, and legs. The girl was arrested alongside a 17-year-old boy who ultimately pulled the trigger.
The girls involved in these violent crimes are not just perpetrators; they are often victims too. Two-thirds of the girls who committed offenses related to drug crime were also victims of sexual violence, according to a report by KSAN. A large majority of these girls have a drug addiction problem and some form of untreated trauma.
The recruitment of young people, especially through encrypted websites, is common for these gangs. The Swedish Prosecution Authority has raised an alarm about an increase in teenage girls being recruited by criminal gangs.
Indeed, the government in Stockholm now describes organized crime as a "systemic threat," infiltrating the social system, local politics, justice and education systems, and youth detention centers. Shootings and bombings have become common occurrences due to the activities of these criminal gangs.
Over the past 15 years, Sweden has seen an increase in crime such as drug and weapons trafficking, human trafficking, and welfare fraud. The involvement of girls in criminal circles is more widespread than previously assumed, as admitted by Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer in April. He also noted that preconceived notions about the role of women and girls in crime can lead to them being neither seen as criminals nor as people who need help.
One former drug dealer, Natalie Klockars, started dealing drugs at 19 and found it easy to build a vast, wealthy clientele as a woman. However, she left the business after being robbed by rivals.
The report published by KSAN in March suggests that girls could be a driving force in facilitating criminal activities, while also being victims themselves. These girls, according to Ida Arnell, are trying to prove their ruthlessness and brutality, equal to their male peers.
As Sweden navigates this challenging period, efforts are underway to understand and address the complex issues surrounding the rise in youth crime. The comprehensive study by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, due for publication in October, will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into this pressing issue.
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