Caring can save lives.

Starting now and throughout the year, Skebo is committed to bringing attention to domestic violence through the initiative "Dare to Care". The aim is to increase awareness, provide practical advice, and strengthen community in residential areas. The initiative is inspired by Örebrobostäder and the association Huskurage, but Skebo wants to broaden the message further with extra focus in 2025 and beyond.

Courage is often talked about, but we also want to emphasize caring. "Dare to Care" is about moving from suspicion to actually showing that you care. Someone seeing and reacting can be crucial for those who are victims. It can be about a neighbor who seems lonely, a child at risk, or signs of violence in a household. By raising the issue, we hope that Skebo can contribute to a safer living environment.

As Skellefteå's largest landlord, it is important for us to work towards increased security in our residential areas and show that it is important to care for one's neighbors and surroundings. It is about making a difference on an individual level and strengthening community in residential areas. We need more eyes and ears to see and dare to act.

An important part is also to increase knowledge internally. Our employees receive training on how to detect signs of violence and vulnerability. Domestic violence is more common than many think, both in Skellefteå and nationally.

According to the Swedish Crime Prevention Council (BRÅ), 13.6 percent of the population aged 16-84 have reported being subjected to violence in a close relationship. Particularly vulnerable are young women between the ages of 20 and 24. Those in a violent relationship have not chosen it themselves. Through what is called the normalization process, the victim has been manipulated to believe that it is part of a normal relationship.

Violence is sometimes noticeable, such as bruises or a person withdrawing. Just by asking "How are you?" or "Do you need help?" the isolation can be broken and the victim can have a first insight that the situation is not normal. If you hear a disturbance from your neighbor, dare to act. If you feel unsure, seek help from another neighbor and call together. In many cases, this is enough to break the situation.

Many suffer in silence

Loneliness is a growing problem, especially among the elderly and men. Stigma and shame cause many to suffer in silence, but through small actions, a difference can be made. Saying hello in the stairwell, holding the door open, or having a cup of coffee together in the outdoor space can be the beginning of something greater.

With "Dare to Care", we hope at Skebo to inspire more people to take responsibility for their residential areas and their neighbors. By raising awareness and taking action, safer and stronger living environments can be created for everyone.