Norway has seen a significant increase in women reporting domestic abuse and sexual assault ahead of the February 2026 trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the crown princess. Høiby faces 32 charges, including four counts of rape and the abuse of a former partner, which his lawyer states he largely denies. Women’s health organizations believe the high-profile nature of the case is helping to break long-standing taboos and encourages victims to seek help more readily. The scandal has also fueled republican sentiment in Norway, with some citizens reconsidering their support for the monarchy as the legal proceedings tarnish the royal family’s reputation.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com