Sweden Democrats propose life sentences for abuse of elderly care recipients

The Sweden Democrats have proposed that care workers who commit rape against elderly people in their care should face life imprisonment, arguing that abuse of such a vulnerable group warrants the harshest available sentence. The party is also pushing for mandatory, ongoing background checks for care staff — not just at the point of hiring — along with penalties for employers who fail to act on abuse reports.

The proposal feeds into a wider European debate about safeguarding in social care, the adequacy of one-off vetting checks, and whether crimes against elderly or vulnerable victims should carry mandatory sentencing enhancements.