Abuse Reports Rise in Norway Ahead of Rape Trial Involving Royal Family Member

Oslo, Norway — Women’s rights organizations across Norway are reporting a significant increase in the number of women coming forward to seek help for domestic violence and sexual assault, as the country prepares for a highly sensitive criminal trial involving a member of the royal family.

According to Norway’s largest women’s health organization, the surge in requests for support is closely linked to widespread media coverage of the upcoming rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby. Advocates say the case has helped reduce long-standing social barriers that often prevent victims from reporting abuse by intimate partners.

A High-Profile Trial With Serious Charges

Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, Norway’s future king, is expected to stand trial in February. Prosecutors have filed 32 criminal charges against him, including four counts of rape, allegations of repeated domestic abuse against a former partner, and accusations of illegally filming several women without their knowledge or consent.

Under Norwegian law, Høiby could face a prison sentence of up to ten years if found guilty of the most serious offenses.

His lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has stated that Høiby denies all accusations of sexual abuse and contests most of the remaining charges related to violence. According to the defense, Høiby will present his own detailed version of events before the court.

More Women Seeking Help

May Britt Buhaug, Secretary General of the women’s public health organization Sanitetskvinnene, confirmed that staff at women’s health centers nationwide have recorded a noticeable rise in women contacting their services.

“Our centers are seeing more women reaching out for advice and support after experiences of violence and sexual assault,” Buhaug said. “High-profile cases like this lower the threshold for asking for help. Openness helps break taboos.”

She added that the organization expects the number of reports to increase further once the trial officially begins.

Domestic Violence Remains a Widespread Issue

Statistics from the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) highlight the scale of the problem. According to national data, approximately one in ten women in Norway has experienced serious violence from an intimate partner.

“Although the circumstances of this case are tragic, it appears to be contributing to a broader public discussion about rape and intimate partner violence,” Buhaug said. “Breaking the silence is essential for real change.”

Additional Allegations and Political Impact

The controversy surrounding Høiby has intensified following the publication of an investigative book that he unsuccessfully attempted to block. The book alleges that he personally sold illegal drugs on the streets of Oslo — claims that Høiby has publicly denied.

The negative headlines have also fueled renewed debate over Norway’s monarchy. Critics argue that the royal family has traditionally enjoyed strong public support in an otherwise egalitarian and democratic society, often avoiding intense scrutiny.

Craig Aaen-Stockdale, leader of the republican group Norge som republikk (“Norway as a Republic”), said his organization’s membership has more than tripled over the past two years, largely due to the ongoing controversy.

“Many Norwegians are reconsidering their view of the royal family, which was long perceived as relatively harmless,” he said, warning of potential long-term consequences for the monarchy’s public standing.

Royal Family Still Largely Supported

Despite the criticism, some analysts believe the royal family remains broadly popular. Torgeir Pedersen Krokfjord, co-author of White Lines, Black Sheep, argued that most Norwegians continue to sympathize with the royal household.

“One can only imagine how difficult it has been to navigate years of public scrutiny while also facing serious health challenges within the family,” he said.

As the trial approaches, advocacy groups hope the sustained attention will not only lead to legal accountability but also encourage lasting social change by empowering more victims to seek justice.

The Norwegian royal palace and Høiby’s legal team were contacted for comment.