Work related threats and hate issues

Work related threats and hate issues are gaining more attention throughout society and in the media. Professions with high public visibility are often vulnerable, especially ones associated with free speech and the public debate, such as journalists, elected officials and artists.

Being subjected to threats, violence and harassment can be emotionally charged and provoke intense fear. We therefore provide useful links and information about the Swedish Crime Victim Authority (Brottsoffermyndigheten) and other organisations that can help you.

If you encounter threats, violence or harassment, you should always do the following:

1.  Report the incident to the police.
2.  Notify your employer or client and, if you are employed, your workplace safety representative.
3. Save and document information.

Always report threats, violence or harassment to the police

If you have been subjected to threats, violence or harassment, you must report it to the police as soon as possible. Let the police decide whether or not you have been the victim of a crime. Be clear that the threat has taken place in your professional practice as an artist, as the police consider this a crime against democracy. This enables the police to process your report in a completely different way.

• Call 112 if the incident is urgent and you or someone else is in danger.
• Call 114 14 or report the incident to the nearest police station if the incident is not urgent.
• Report theft and fraud online on the police’s website.

Report the incident to your employer and your safety representative

Be sure to report the incident to your employer or client and, if you are employed or working on assignment, to your workplace safety representative. According to the Swedish Work Environment Act, the employer is responsible for workplace health and safety. This includes preventing the risk of threats, violence and harassment as far as possible.

Save and document information

Documentation serves as crucial evidence in the event of a trial.

• Save information about the event, such as screenshots, links, emails and text messages.
• Document medical injuries by going to a doctor.
• Document damage to objects or the like.
• Refer to people who might have heard or seen something important to the incident.

Swedish Crime Victim Authority provides advice and support

The Swedish Crime Victim Authority promotes the rights of victims of crime and recognises their needs and interests. It oversees criminal injuries compensation and other matters nationwide. Call their helpline if you have questions about financial compensation or matters relating to your rights in court proceedings.

Service phone: 090-70 82 00 (weekdays 9–15)

Contact Victim Support Sweden

This organisation has more than 75 local victim support centres with 1,400 volunteers and over 100 staff working across the country. They provide support, advice and assistance to victims, relatives and witnesses. Contact with Victim Support Sweden (Brottsofferjouren or BOJ) is free of charge and protected by a vow of confidentiality. You can be anonymous, so you do not have to give your name.

Contact Victim Support Sweden to get:

• Counselling and support sessions
• Information on how to file a police report
• Information about the legal process
• Support in the context of legal proceedings
• Assistance in contact with government authorities and insurance companies.

Emergency service telephone number: 116 006 (The number is part of the 116 number series reserved by the European Commission for services of social value.)

Telephone number to switchboard: 08-644 88 00