Iceland, often lauded as a global leader in gender equality, has maintained the top spot in the World Economic Forum’s global gender equality rankings for 15 years. The country’s progressive policies and leadership parity between men and women are often held up as examples for the world. However, a startling new study has revealed a grim reality: 40% of Icelandic women have experienced sexual or physical assault, with many facing long-term psychological impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Behind Iceland's gender equality, a hidden crisis: the trauma of sexual violence.
Trauma in a Gender-Equal Society
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 28,200 women aged 18 to 69 in Iceland, asking them about 23 life stressors, ranging from stillbirth and divorce to sexual violence. The findings were unsettling:
Two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing unwanted sexual encounters, making it the most common stressor.
Women who had been sexually assaulted were significantly more likely to develop PTSD compared to those who faced other traumatic events, such as natural disasters or violent deaths.
“What you would expect is that in a country with high gender equality, you would see lower victimization rates,” noted Rannveig Sigurvinsdóttir, an associate professor at Reykjavik University.
Long-Term Psychological Impacts
The chronic effects of sexual violence were evident, with many women reporting PTSD symptoms decades after the last assault. Survivors assaulted at a younger age or by someone they knew, such as a relative or partner, faced greater risks. Additionally, women who endured workplace sexual violence were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other health issues, including substance abuse and sleep disturbances.
The Nordic Gender Paradox
This phenomenon isn't exclusive to Iceland. High-income Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, and Sweden report higher lifetime rates of sexual violence compared to much of Europe. Experts attribute this partially to cultural differences in disclosure, as Nordic women may feel more comfortable reporting assaults.
Interestingly, when examining current intimate partner violence rates, the disparity between Nordic countries and others narrows. This suggests that while gender equality may not reduce violence itself, it impacts how society responds to and addresses violence.
“Gender equality doesn't relate to violence happening; it relates to how society responds to it,” said Sigurvinsdóttir.
Addressing the Crisis
Iceland has implemented several measures to combat sexual violence, including:
Strengthening rape laws to emphasize consent in 2018.
Increasing funding for shelters and public awareness campaigns.
Amending laws to address digital sexual violence and stalking.
However, more needs to be done. Experts advocate for faster criminal justice processes, improved public health and mental health care coordination, and stronger social support systems. Negative reactions to disclosures of violence, such as victim-blaming, have profound mental health repercussions, whereas supportive responses can significantly improve outcomes for survivors.
“I think people are slowly realizing how common trauma is and how serious the implications can be,” Sigurvinsdóttir concluded.
Source: Euronews
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