Crime is a gendered arena. Women criminals are still rare, although more common than before in Norway. Out of a total of 250 000 sentences passed in 2003, 203 600 were handed down to men, which means that 81 per cent of the perpetrators were men. Women are found guilty of less serious crimes than men and receive fewer prison sentences.

Using violence is a crime in Norway. Gender based violence encompasses a wide range of human rights violations, including sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, the trafficking and prostitution of women and children as well as several harmful traditional practices.

In Norway, the women’s movement and researchers have together played an active role in placing the issue on the socio-political agenda. And gender based violence has gradually gained recognition as a serious societal problem and a matter of concern for the State. Gender based violence both reflects and reinforces inequalities between men and women. It compromises the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims. Male violence against women and children is now acknowledged as a hindrance for achieving gender equality in Norway. Currently, gender based violence in relation to ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and disabilities are being focused upon.

The Norwegian Government is developing and designing measures to eliminate and prevent gender based violence. Several plans of action have been developed. In implementing a holistic, co-ordinated and integrated approach to the work against gender based violence, attention needs to be paid to the perpetrators.