The Swedish Crime Survey

The Swedish Crime Survey (SCS or Nationella trygghets­undersökningen – NTU – in Swedish) is an annual survey of the attitudes and experiences of the general population of Sweden (aged 16-84 years) regarding exposure to crime, fear of crime, confidence
in the criminal justice system, and crime victims' contact with the criminal justice system.

The Swedish Crime Survey has been conducted since 2006. The survey includes a sample of 200,000 people. In the SCS 2023, approximately 64,000 people from the sample participated.

Method revised in 2017

The method used for the SCS was revised in 2017. At this point, the collection procedure changed from mainly telephone interviews to internet questionnaires or postal questionnaires. The selection was also expanded and some of the questions were reformulated and new questions were added. Since one main purpose of the SCS is to be able to make comparisons over time, a method has been developed to enable the results for the period 2007–2016 to be compared with 2017–2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that all the descriptions of development over time for the results described in the report are unaffected by the change in method. It is important to emphasise this, as the purpose of the study is to study development over time and compare different groups in the population rather than to estimate exact levels.

The questions about pickpocketing, sales fraud, card/credit fraud and online harassment were introduced in connection with the 2017 SCS, which means that there are only results from the 2017–2023 SCS for those types of offences.

Exposure to crime

Exposure to crime was investigated for the calendar year preceding the year on which the question was asked. This means that incidents where the respondent was exposed to crime reported in the 2023 SCS, reflect offences that took place in 2022. Exposure to crime in terms of offences against the person is reported as the percentage of persons exposed to crime, unlike property offences against households, which is reported as the percentage of households exposed to crime.

Offences against the person

Self-reported exposure to various types of offences against the person. Percentage of the population (aged 16-84). Source: SCS 2023

Offences against the person

In the 2023 SCS, 20.1 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they were exposed to one or more of the types of offences referred to in the report as offences against the person: assault, threats, sexual offences, robbery, pickpocketing, sales fraud, card/credit fraud and online harassment¹ in 2022. This is an increase compared with the preceding year (in 2021 the proportion was 19.5%). There was an increase in exposure to offences against the person between 2016 and 2018, followed by a decrease up to and including 2021.

The type of offence that had the highest prevalence rate according to the 2023 SCS was threats (7.7%) while robbery had the lowest prevalence rate (1.0%).

Compared to 2021, self-reported exposure to sales fraud has increased in 2022. Furthermore, exposure to sexual offences and card/credit fraud has increased slightly, while exposure to robbery has decreased slightly. As far as assaults, threats, pickpocketing and online harassment are concerned, the prevalence rate is more or less the same as 2021.

Among those who stated that they were exposed to offences against the person in 2022, 43.3 percent were exposed to crime once, 29.3 percent were exposed to offences two to three times and 27.4 percent were exposed to offences four times or more. Individuals in this group make up roughly three-quarters (76.2%) of all incidents of offences against the person.

¹) Exposure to harassment were included in the category ‘‘offences against the person’’ until SCS 2020. Since then, harassment has been presented as a separate category.

Offences against the person

Self-reported exposure to various types of offences against the person in 2022. Percentage for men and women. Source: SCS 2023

Assault

The percentage of individuals who state that they were exposed to assault in 2022 is 2.8 percent of the population (aged 16–84), which is at the same level as 2021. The trend for the period 2007–2015 was one of a weak decline, but the following period show an increasing trend until a decrease in 2020. Since then self-reported exposure to assault has remained at a stable level. Men (3.3%) state more often that they were exposed to assault than women (2.3%) in 2022. In terms of age, self-reported exposure to assault was most common in the 16–19 age bracket (men 9.7% and women 6.2%).

Serious assault

A proportion of 0.5 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they were exposed to serious assault, which in the SCS refers to assaults leading to injuries requiring medical treatment by a doctor, nurse or dentist. This is the same level as 2021. The prevalence rate remained at a stable level between 2016 and 2019, but decreased in 2020. Since then, the proportion has remained at that slightly lower level. Men (0.7%) state more often that they were victims than women (0.4%) in 2022. Self-reported exposure to serious assault was most common among men in the 20–24 age bracket (1.1%) and among women, in the 20– 24 and 25–34 age brackets (0.6%).

Threats

In 2022 7.7 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they were exposed to threats, which is approximately the same level as 2021 (7.8%). Self-reported exposure to threats remained at a relatively stable level during the period 2007–2014. Thereafter, the level increased up to and including 2019. The proportion has since decreased. The prevalence rate in 2022 is slightly higher among men (7.8%) than women (7.6%). Self-reported exposure to threats was most common among men in the 20–24 age bracket (11.9%), and among women in the 16–19 age bracket (10.9%).

Sexual offences

  • Sexual offences include, for example, offensive, sexual comments in speech or writing, forced sexual acts or rape. Incidents could have happened at home, at school, at work, on the internet or in another location.

In 2022, 4.7 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they have been exposed to a sexual offence, which is a small increase since 2021 (4.5%). The prevalence rate remained relatively unchanged during the period 2006–2011 but then increased almost every year until 2017. A declining trend was then noted from 2018 up to and including 2021. Women (7.8%) state significantly more often that they were exposed to a sexual offence than men (1.2%) in 2022. There are large differences between age groups. The prevalence rate for both men and women is greatest in the age group 20–24, where 29.2 percent of women state they were exposed to a sexual offence, and 4.4 percent of men.

Serious sexual offences involving the use of force

  • Refers to incidents which include someone forcing, or trying to force, the person into a sexual act by threatening, holding onto or hurting the person in some way.

Of the population (aged 16–84), 0.9 percent state that they were exposed to a sexual offence involving the use of force in 2022, which is approximately the same level as 2021 (0.8%). Looking at the development over time, the prevalence rate remained virtually unchanged during the period 2017–2019, and is thereafter at a slightly lower level. The prevalence rate is significantly higher among women (1.5%) than men (0.3%) in 2022. There are large differences between age groups. The proportion for men is largest among people in the 25–44 age bracket, where the prevalence is 0.6 percent. For women the prevalence rate is significantly higher among young people in the 16–24 age bracket, where the proportion is 5.3 percent.

Serious sexual offences involving the exploitation of a defenceless condition

  • Refers to incidents which include sexual abuse while the person was asleep or when the person was in a defenceless state due to intoxication.

Of the population (aged 16–84), 0.7 percent state that they were exposed to a sexual offence involving the exploitation of a defenceless condition in 2022, which is the same level as 2021 (0.7%). The prevalence rate has been relatively unchanged since 2017 (it was slightly lower in 2016). The prevalence rate is significantly higher among women (1.2%) than men (0.2%). There are large differences between age groups. The proportion for both men and women is largest among young people in the 16–24 age bracket, 5.8 percent among women and 0.8 percent among men.

Robbery

In 2022, 1.0 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state they were exposed to robbery or an attempted robbery, which is a small decrease since 2021 (1.2%). The prevalence rate was relatively unchanged between 2006 and 2015. Thereafter, an increase was seen up to and including 2019, followed by a slightly decreasing trend. It is more common that men (1.6%) state that they were exposed to robbery or attempted robbery during 2022 than women (0.5%). In terms of age, self-reported exposure to robbery was most common among men in the 20–24 age bracket (3.7%) and among women in the 25–34 age bracket (0.9%).

Pickpocketing

In 2022, 1.5 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they were exposed to pickpocketing. This is approximately at the same level as 2021 (1.4%). The development over time shows a decreasing trend between 2016 and 2021. The decrease was particularly noticeable in 2020. The percentage of men and women who state that they were exposed to pickpocketing in 2022 is almost the same (1.5% among men and 1.4% among women). Self-reported exposure to pickpocketing among men was most common in the 20–24 age bracket (2.7%), and among women in the 16–19 age bracket (2.8%).

Sales fraud

Of the population (aged 16–84), 6.1 percent state that they were exposed to sales fraud in 2022. The prevalence rate is higher compared to 2021 (5.7 %), and an increasing trend can be seen during the whole measurement period (2016–2022). Men (6.8%) state more often that they were exposed to sales fraud in 2022 than women (5.6%). The greatest percentage of self-reported exposure to sales fraud in 2022 was found in the 35–44 age bracket, among both men (9.6%) and women (9.0%).

Card/credit fraud

Self-reported exposure to card/credit fraud amounted to 3.7 percent of the population (aged 16–84) in 2022. This is a slightly higher level compared to 2021 (3.5%). Initially, an increase was seen between 2016 and 2018, followed by a decreasing trend until a small increase in 2022. The prevalence rate is higher among men (4.0%) than women (3.4%) in 2022. In terms of age, exposure to card/credit fraud is most common among men in the 35–44 age bracket (4.8%) and among women in the 45–54 age bracket (4.7%).

Online harassment

Self-reported exposure to online harassment amounted to 2.3 percent of the population (aged 16–84) in 2022, which is almost the same level as 2021 (2.2%). The prevalence rate increased between 2016 and 2019, and then decreased in 2021. Women (2.1%) state less often that they were exposed to online harassment than men (2.4%) in 2022. The prevalence rate is highest in the 16–19 age bracket, and is higher
among young women (7.2%) than young men (4.3%).

Harassment

  • In connection with the follow-up interviews, it emerged that some people had misunderstood the screening question about harassment. They may have understood it as including telephone sales, for example. The wording of the question and how the results are reported were reviewed before the 2020 SCS and therefore only the results for 2019–2022 are presented.

Of the population (aged 16–84), 5.9 percent state that they were exposed to harassment in 2022, which is almost the same level as 2021 (6.0%). Throughout the measurement period the prevalence rate has been virtually unchanged, with the exception of 2019, when it was at a higher level. The prevalence rate is higher among women (6.5%) than men (5.3%). In terms of age, self-reported exposure to harassment was most
common in the 25–34 age bracket among men (6.8%), and in the 20–
24 age bracket among women (11.5%).

Property offences against households

Self-reported victimisation of various types of property offences. Percentage of victimised households nationwide. Source: SCS 2023

Property offences against households

The proportion of households exposed to car theft, theft out of or from a vehicle, bicycle theft, or burglary (all referred to as property offences against households) is 12.7 percent in 2022. This is a decrease since 2021, when the prevalence rate was 13.1 percent. The prevalence rate decreased between 2006 and 2014, followed by an increase. Since 2020, the proportion has decreased again. The main reason for the decrease since 2006 is that less people report exposure to theft out of or from vehicles.

The most common property offence reported for 2022 is bicycle theft (10.0%), while car theft is the least common (0.8%).

A majority (66.1%) of those who were exposed to property offences against households state that they were exposed once in 2022, while 26.7 percent were exposed two or three times. A smaller proportion of the households state that they were victims four times or more (7.2%). This group suffered 32.3 percent of all property offences reported in
the 2023 SCS.

Burglary

According to the SCS 2023, 1.2 percent of households were exposed to burglary during 2022, which is approximately the same level as 2021 (1.3%). At the beginning of the measurement period (2006–2015) the prevalence rate varied from year to year. From 2016 it remained virtually unchanged until 2020 when a decrease was seen, and since then the proportion has remained at almost the same level.

Car theft

In 2022, 0.8 percent of households (refers to households which had a car) report that they were exposed to car theft, which means that the proportion is approximately the same as in 2021 (0.9%). The proportion declined significantly during the period 2006–2014, but then increased in 2015 and has since been virtually unchanged. Despite the increase, the prevalence rate in recent years is considerably lower than in the beginning of the
measurement period.

Theft out of or from a vehicle

The proportion of households that were exposed to theft out of or from a vehicle was 4.0 percent in 2022, which is almost the same level as 2021 (4.1%). During the period 2006–2012, the prevalence rate decreased dramatically, and since then a lesser decrease has been noted.

Bicycle theft

The proportion of households that were exposed to bicycle theft was 10.0 percent in 2022. This is a decrease since 2021, when the proportion was 10.3 percent. The prevalence rate decreased during the period 2008–2012. After, an increase was noted up to and including 2019, followed by a decrease.

Fear of crime

Measuring fear of crime is complicated, but the SCS can contribute by providing a number of key indicators on the subject. The reference periods reflected in the section on fear of crime vary depending on the type of question. Questions about concern regarding various types of offences refer to the most recent twelve months (prior to the time of interview). The more comprehensive questions refer to the perception respondents had at the time the question was asked (2023). Regarding concerns about being exposed to crime, the questions about burglary and theft or vandalism of vehicles are the only ones that have been included in their present form every year since the survey was initiated, while the questions on concern about the remaining offences were added in conjunction with the revision of the survey in 2017.

Feeling unsafe outdoors late at night

The results in the 2023 SCS show that a total of 26 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they feel very unsafe or quite unsafe when outdoors alone at night or that they avoid going out alone at night due to feeling unsafe (of these, 5 percent state that they do not go out due to feeling unsafe). This is almost the same level as 2022, when the proportion was 27 percent. The proportion remained relatively unchanged between 2007 and 2015, but increased considerably the following year. Since then it has remained at a relatively stable level, except for a temporary small increase in 2020. It is significantly more common for women (34%) to state that they feel unsafe than for men (18%). The proportion is largest among men in the 25–34 and 75–84 age brackets (20%) and in the 16–19 age bracket among women (44%).

Feeling unsafe in own neighbourhood late at night

Feeling unsafe (very unsafe/quite unsafe) in own neighbourhood when going out late at night, as well as those who do not go out due to feeling unsafe. Percentage of the population (aged 16-84) and for men and women. Source: SCS 2023

Perception of crime development

A total of 85 percent of the population (aged 16–84) believes that the number of crimes in Sweden has increased over the past three years. This is an increase since 2022 when the proportion was 80 percent. A decrease could be seen between 2007 and 2014, but with some yearly variations. After an increase in 2015, the level remained relatively stable until another increase in 2023. A greater proportion of women (88%) than men (81%) state that they believe that the number of crimes in Sweden has increased over the past three years.The proportion is greatest in the youngest age bracket (aged 16–19) among men (91%), and in the oldest age bracket (aged 75–84) among women (93%).

Concern about crime in society

Concern about crime in society (in large extent). Percentage of the population (aged 16-84) and for men and women. Source: SCS 2023

Concern about crime in society

In the 2023 SCS 53 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have great concern about crime in society, which is at a significantly higher level than 2022 (46%). Between 2007 and 2011, the percentage who experienced great concern decreased, and since then an increasing trend has been noted. The proportion of people who have great concern about crime is larger among women (54%) than among men (51%). The percentage is greatest among people aged 55–64 and 65–74 for both men (58%) and women (63%).

Concern about close friends and family

In the 2023 SCS 35 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they, very often or quite often feel concerned that someone close to them will be subjected to crime. This is approximately the same level compared to the preceding year 2022 (34%). The proportion decreased between 2007 and 2014, followed by an increase up to and including 2016. Since then it has remained at the same level with the exception for 2020 when it was at a higher level.It is more common for women (38%) to be concerned that friends or family will be subjected to crime than for men (31%). Concern that friends or family will be subjected to crime is most common in the 45–54 age bracket among both men (38%) and women (47%).

Concern about being a victim of crime

Concern (very often/quite often) over being a victim of crime 2023. Percentage of the population (aged 16–84) for each type of offence and for men and women. Source: SCS 2023

Concern about assault

The percentage of people who, 2023, state that they are concerned very often or quite often about being a victim of assault is 9 percent, which is almost the same level as 2022 (10%). The proportion has remained the same (2017–2023) with the exception for the temporary increase in 2020. The percentage of people who are concerned about being a victim of assault is almost the same for men (9%) and women (10%). The highest percentage is found among men aged 25–34 (13%), and among women aged 16–19 (16%).

Concern about rape/sexual assault

The percentage of people who, 2023, are often concerned about being a victim of rape or another type of sexual assault is 11 percent of the population (aged 16–84), which is approximately at the same level as in 2022 (10%). The proportion has remained at a relatively stable level since 2017. It is significantly more common for women (18%) to be concerned about being a victim of rape or another type of sexual assault than men (2%). The proportion is highest in the 20–24 age bracket, among both men and women. However, the proportion is significantly higher among women (43%) in this age group, than among men (3%).

Concern about robbery

In the population (aged 16–84), 15 percent state, 2023, that they are concerned about being a victim of robbery, which is the same level compared to 2022. The proportion has basically remained unchanged since 2017, with the exception of 2020, when it was at a slightly higher level. It is more common for women (17%) to be concerned about robbery than men (12%). Among both men and women, the proportion is highest in the 20–24 and 25–34 age brackets where the proportion among men is 17 percent and among women the proportion is 20 percent.

Concern about fraud on the Internet

  • The question about concern over being a victim of fraud on the internet was rephrased in conjunction with the SCS 2020. Therefore, results are only presented for 2020–2022.

In 2023, 35 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they are concerned about being a victim of fraud on the internet, which is an increase since 2022 (32%). The proportion had previously remained unchanged since the question was reformulated in 2020. The proportion of people who are concerned about being a victim of fraud on the internet is larger for women (37%) than men (32%). The percentage concerned about being a victim of fraud on the internet is greatest in the 55–64 age bracket among men (38%) and in the 75–84 age bracket among women (45%).

Concern about burglary

In 2023, 22 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they are concerned about burglary, which is at the same level as 2022. The proportion remained relatively unchanged during the first years (2007–2011), followed by an increase up to and including 2017. After that the proportion was once again relatively unchanged until a decrease in 2021. Since then, it has remained at approximately the same level. It is more common for women (23%) to state that they are concerned about burglary than men (20%). The percentage concerned about burglary is greatest in the 55–64 age bracket among men (24%) and in the 45–54 and 55–64 age brackets among women (26%).

Concern about theft/vandalism of vehicle

Among the respondents in the 2023 SCS who stated that someone in the household owns a car, 23 percent are concerned that the household's car will be stolen or vandalised, which is approximately at the same level as 2022 (24%). The proportion decreased during the first part of the measurement period (2007–2013). After 2015 there was an increase leading up to and including 2017. The proportion was then virtually unchanged until a decrease in 2021, and has since remained at that lower level. The percentage of people who are concerned about theft or vandalism of vehicle is the same for men and women (23%). In terms of age, the proportion is largest in the 25–34 age bracket among both men (30%) and women (28%).

Consequences of feeling unsafe

In 2023, 24 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they often have chosen another route or another mode of transport as a result of concern about being a victim of crime, while 12 percent have often refrained from an activity as a result of this concern. Furthermore, 20 percent state that they have often refrained from an activity on the internet as a result of concern about being a victim of threats or harassment, and of these respondents, 3 percent never engage in activities on the internet due to this concern. Lastly, 7 percent state that their quality of life is affected as a result of being concerned about being a victim of crime.

A significantly larger proportion of women than men state that they often have chosen another route or another mode of transport (women, 31% and men, 15%), and refrained from an activity due to concern about being a victim of crime (women, 15% and men, 9%). For the other questions, the proportion is basically the same.

Confidence in the criminal justice system

High (very/quite) degree of confidence in the criminal justice system. Percentage of the population (aged 16–84). Source: SCS 2023

Confidence in the criminal justice system

The criminal justice system comprises several different public agencies and the SCS asks questions about the criminal justice system as a whole, as well as more specific questions regarding four of its agencies – the police, the public prosecutors, the courts, and the prison and probation service. The section on confidence in the criminal justice system reflects the respondents’ perception at the time the questionnaire was answered (2023).

The results shown on confidence in the criminal justice system are mainly for the percentage stating that they have high (very high or quite high) confidence. The other response alternatives are low (very, or quite low) confidence or no opinion. This means that respondents that do not have high confidence do not by definition need to have low confidence. They could have stated that they have no opinion. However, the fact that some respondents have no particular view on a given issue, or are unwilling to commit themselves, is in itself an important factor to consider when assessing levels of public confidence. For this reason, those who state that they have no opinion in relation to the questions on confidence in the justice system are included in the result.

Confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole

In the 2023 SCS, almost half (49%) of the population (aged 16–84) state that they have a high (very high or quite high) degree of confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole. This is at a lower level than 2022, when the proportion was 53 percent. After a small increase at the beginning of the measurement period (2007–2010), the proportion was relatively stable until a temporary decline in 2017. The proportion then increased again until this decrease in 2023. It is more common for women (52%) to state that they have a high degree of confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole than for men (47%). In terms of age, the proportion is greatest among both men and women in the 45–54 age brackets (50% among men and 58% among women).

Confidence in the police

The proportion of the population (aged 16–84) who state that they have a high degree of confidence in the way the police perform their work is 54 percent in 2023. This is a decrease since 2022, when the proportion was 59 percent. The level was relatively stable between 2007 and 2016, followed by a decrease in 2017. From 2018 the proportion increased until this decrease in 2023. It is more common for women (58%) to have a high degree of confidence in the police than for men (49%). In terms of age, the proportion is largest among men in the 16-19 age bracket (53%) and among women in the age group 45–54 (61%).

Confidence in the public prosecutors

In the 2023 SCS, 42 percent of the population (aged 16–84) state that they have a high degree of confidence in the way the public prosecutors perform their work. This is almost the same level as 2022 (43%). The proportion increased between 2007 and 2009 and then remained at a stable level, followed by a decrease in 2017. Thereafter, the result shows that the proportion increased again, up to and including 2021, and has since been virtually unchanged. It is more common for women (44%) to have a high degree of confidence in the public prosecutors than for men (41%). The proportion with a high degree of confidence in the public prosecutors is greatest among men in the 35–44, 45–54 and 75–84 age groups, where the proportion is 42 percent. Among women the proportion is greatest in the 45–54 age group, where 49 percent report a high degree of confidence.

Confidence in the courts

Almost two-fifths (39%) of the population (aged 16–84) state that they have a high degree of confidence in the way the courts perform their work, which is at a slightly lower level than 2022 (41%). The proportion has remained relatively stable for most of the measurement period (2007–2023), with the exception of 2017 and 2018 when it was at a slightly lower level. It is equally common for men and women to have a high degree of confidence in the courts (39%). In terms of age, the proportion is greatest in the age group 45–54 among both men and women (men, 42% and women, 45%).

Confidence in the prison and probation service

In the SCS 2023, 34 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have a high degree of confidence in the way in which the prison and probation service operates, which is a decrease since 2022 (37%). Looking at the development over time, the proportion with a high degree of confidence in the prison and probation service has overall increased since 2007, but with some annual variations. It is more common for women (35%) to have a high degree of confidence in the prison and probation service than for men (32%).
Among men, the proportion is greatest in the 16–19 age bracket (40%) and among women, the proportion is greatest in the 20–24 age bracket (43%).

Confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats suspects fairly

The results for 2023 show that 44 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have a high degree of confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats those suspected of crimes fairly, which is at about the same level as 2022 when the proportion was 45 percent. The proportion remained at a relatively stable level 2007–2016. In 2017, however, the proportion decreased, followed by a slightly increasing trend up to and including 2022. It is as common among both men and women to have a high degree of confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats those suspected of crimes fairly (44%). In terms of age, the proportion among both men and women is greatest in the 45–54 age bracket (50%).

Confidence that the police treats suspects fairly

In 2023, 51 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have a high degree of confidence that the police treat those suspected of crimes fairly, which is a decrease since 2022 (54 %). The proportion was at a relatively stable level between 2008 and 2017, but in 2018 the proportion increased until this decrease in the 2023 SCS. It is basically just as common for men (51%) and women (50%) to have a high degree of confidence that the police treat those suspected of crimes fairly. In terms of age, the proportion is greatest in the 45–54 age bracket among both men and women (57%).

Confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats crime
victims well

In the 2023 SCS, 29 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have a high degree of confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats crime victims well, which is approximately the same level as 2022 (30%). The proportion with a high degree of confidence increased at the beginning of the measurement period (2008–2011). After that, it remained at a relatively stable level until another increase between 2018 and 2021. The proportion has since remained relatively unchanged. It is slightly more common for women (30%) to have a high degree of confidence that the criminal justice system as a whole treats crime victims well than for men (28%). Among men, the proportion is greatest in the 16–19 age bracket (39%) and among women, the proportion is greatest in the 35–44 and 45–54 age brackets (33%).

Confidence that the police treat crime victims well

The results for 2023 show that 45 percent of the population (aged 16– 84) have a high degree of confidence that the police treat crime victims well, which is at a lower level compared to 2022 when the proportion was 49 percent. The proportion remained at a relatively stable level between 2008 and 2017, but the following period show an increasing trend until this decrease in 2023. It is more common for women (47%) to have a high degree of confidence that the police treat crime victims well than for men (44%). In terms of age, the proportion is greatest in the 16–19 age bracket among men (53%) and in the 35–44 and 45–54 age brackets among women (51%).

Experiences of the police

Experiences of the police among those who have been subjected to any crime
reported to the police in the last three years. Percentage of people who have very/quite a positive experience of the police, and who are very/quite satisfied with different parts of the police's work. Source: SCS 2023

Crime victims’ contacts with the justice system

When a person has been subjected to an offence that is reported to the police, the person gains experience of one or more of the agencies within the criminal justice system. The experience is customarily limited to the person’s contact with the police in connection with the police report, but may also comprise contact with public prosecutors, counsel for injured parties and, in the event the offence comes to trial, courts. The section on crime victims’ contact with the criminal justice system reports experiences in the most recent three years at the date the question was answered (2023).

Experience of the police in connection with reporting a crime to the police

The 2023 SCS shows that 21 percent of the population (aged 16–84) have been subjected to a crime that was reported to the police in the last three years. Of these, 41 percent stated that they had a positive experience of the police overall, which is at a slightly lower level than 2022 (43%). The proportion remained at a relatively stable level between 2007 and 2015, but with some annual variations. Since 2016, however, a slightly decreasing trend has been noted. The proportion of positive experiences is greater among those who were victims of crimes that contained some form of threat or violence (43%) than among those where the incident did not contain it (40%).

With regard to various parts of the police's work, the victims are most satisfied with the way the police treated them (50%) and with police accessibility (44%), but less satisfied with the information they received regarding how the police were working with their case (31%) and with police effectiveness in investigating the crime (18%). When comparing crimes with and without elements of threats or violence, the proportion of satisfaction is greater when the incident has entailed threats or violence, seen in terms of police's effectiveness and the way the police treated respondents. Looking at the question of the information respondents received on how the police were working with their case, the proportion is higher when the incident did not entail threats or violence. Regarding police's accessibility, the proportion is almost equal.

Women state that they have a positive experience of the police more often than men, in terms of both overall experience of the police and the various parts of the police's work. The differences between men and women are largest in terms of satisfaction with the way the police treated them (53% among women and 46% among men) and the information they received (35% among women and 28% among men).

The proportion with positive experiences of the police is greatest in the oldest age bracket, aged 75–84, for both men (50%) and women (60%). In terms of satisfaction with the various parts of the police's work, the proportion is generally greater in the oldest age bracket.

Experience with public prosecutors and courts

Approximately 2.0 percent of the population state that they have been in contact with public prosecutors as a result of having been a victim of crime at some time in the past three years, even if the investigation did not subsequently lead to a trial. Of these people, 41 percent state that their contact with public prosecutors was positive, which is approximately the same level as 2022 (40%).

Of the population (aged 16–84), 1.1 percent state that they have participated in a trial as an injured party in the most recent three years. Of these, 53 percent state that they are satisfied with the way they were treated in court, which is almost the same level as 2022 (52%). Furthermore, 65 percent state that they thought it was easy to understand the trial, which is the same level as 2022. Lastly, 52 percent feel that they were given enough information before the trial, which is almost the same level as 2022 (53%). Of those who participated in a trial as an injured party, 60 percent had what is termed a counsel for an injured party. Of these, 64 percent describe their experience of the counsel for an injured party as positive, which is a slightly lower level compared to 2022 (66%).

Women have positive experiences to a greater extent than men for almost all of these questions, with the exception of experience of prosecutors where the percentage is the same. The differences between men and women are larger in terms of experience with counsel for an injured party (as 69% of women have positive experiences compared to 59% of men), and satisfaction with the way they were treated in court (58% among women and 49% among men).