The impending rape trial of a member of Norway's royal family is having a profound societal impact, with the country's largest women's health organisation reporting a significant increase in women coming forward to report abuse and sexual assault.
A Royal Scandal and its Repercussions
Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of the future King Haakon, is scheduled to stand trial in February. He faces a total of 32 criminal charges. The most serious of these are four counts of rape. The indictment also includes charges for the domestic abuse of a former partner and the illegal filming of several women without their knowledge or consent.
His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has stated that Høiby "denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as the majority of the charges regarding violence." Sekulic added that his client would provide a detailed account of his version of events during the court proceedings. If found guilty on the most serious counts, Høiby could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Breaking Taboos and Rising Reports
According to May Britt Buhaug, Secretary General of the women's public health organisation Sanitetskvinnene, the extensive media coverage of the high-profile case is having a direct effect. Staff at their health centres have noted a rise in women seeking help and advice following experiences of violence and sexual assault.
"Media coverage of cases such as Høiby’s lower the threshold to ask for help. That women ask for help more easily is a positive effect. Openness breaks taboos," Buhaug explained. She anticipates that the number of reports will increase further once the trial begins in February.
This trend shines a light on a widespread issue in Norwegian society. Statistics from the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) indicate that one in 10 women in Norway has experienced serious violence from an intimate partner.
Republicans Energised and Royal Reputation Tarnished
The scandal has provided fuel for Norway's republican movement. Craig Aaen-Stockdale, leader of the group Norge som republikk, revealed that its membership has more than tripled in the last two years, a surge he largely attributes to the accusations against Høiby.
"The ongoing omniscandal has really tarnished the reputation of the younger royals, including the future heir," Aaen-Stockdale said. He pointed to a potential future where the head of state, Crown Prince Haakon, could have a wife with serious health issues—Crown Princess Mette-Marit has said she needs a lung transplant—and a son in prison.
Further damaging allegations have emerged in a new book, White Lines, Black Sheep, which Høiby unsuccessfully tried to block. The book claims he personally sold drugs on the streets of Oslo, an allegation Høiby denies. Co-author Torgeir Pedersen Krokfjord noted, however, that the royal family remains broadly popular and has so far emerged relatively unscathed from the controversies.
The case continues to develop, with the royal palace and Høiby's lawyer contacted for comment. As the February trial date approaches, its role in encouraging victims to speak out remains a significant and closely watched consequence.
