Twelve Women Killed in Sweden in 2025 Amid Rising Domestic Violence Concerns

In 2025, Sweden has witnessed the tragic deaths of twelve women suspected to have been murdered by men with whom they had intimate relationships. Among the notable victims are Martine Ølstad Moflag, a 39-year-old Norwegian woman whose fiancé killed her before taking his own life; Annelie, a 46-year-old mother found dead in a waterway after months missing, with her partner arrested for her murder; and Valentine, a 45-year-old Ukrainian woman reportedly murdered by her husband after they sought refuge in Sweden from the ongoing war.

The domestic violence issue extends beyond these cases. According to the UN, 137 women and girls worldwide are killed daily by family members, highlighting a global crisis. In Sweden, the Socialstyrelsen estimates at least 75,000 women experience some form of partner violence annually, though experts believe actual figures are higher due to widespread underreporting.

Notably, incidents of domestic violence tend to escalate during the Christmas and New Year holidays, driven by factors like stress, increased alcohol consumption, and social isolation. The 2025 data reflect this seasonal spike, prompting renewed calls for awareness and prevention.

To support victims, Sweden offers various national helplines and organizations providing shelter, counseling, and assistance. However, challenges remain in addressing the full scale of partner violence and ensuring safety for vulnerable women.

These harrowing cases underscore the urgent need to tackle domestic abuse in Sweden comprehensively. Continued public attention, strengthened support systems, and preventive measures are vital to stem this alarming trend and protect at-risk women across the country.