Several women's shelters in Norrbotten are closing their protected accommodations as they cannot meet the requirements of a new legal amendment that came into effect on April 1st.

The law, aimed at quality assurance of such facilities, mandates obtaining permission from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate and imposes conditions that are challenging for small, non-profit organizations to fulfill.

This has led to the shutdown of facilities like the one in Jokkmokk, which had been operational for just a year.

Critics argue that the law overlooks the unique challenges faced by non-profits in rural areas, potentially leaving vulnerable women and children without necessary support.

The intended strengthening of children's rights and oversight may inadvertently result in decreased access to safe havens for those fleeing domestic abuse.