SWEDEN

80-year-old doesn't want to live more after home care workers abuse
Published February 18, 2026 at 11.44

Domestic. A 48-year-old Syrian was sentenced to a year's imprisonment after committing a sexual assault on an elderly woman during a home care visit to Vänersborg. He does not have to deport because he has received Swedish citizenship. The woman says she cries at night and that she no longer wants to live because of what happened.
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The assault occurred at the end of the summer of 2025 in the woman's residence.

The Syrian, who then worked in home care, is also convicted of unlawful threats and beatings but is acquitted of child peace crimes. He will pay just over 100,000 kronor in damages.

The woman has told us in questioning that she does not want to live anymore after the abuse. She has felt great shame and weeps at night.

Her plaintiff's counsel Gunilla Johansson says:

It has been a severe assault for her. In addition, it is of home care staff and in her home, where she has the right to feel safe.

In the 48-year-old's phone, police found internet history with porn searches on "granny," i.e. older women.

The Syrian has been granted Swedish citizenship and therefore cannot be deported with current legislation.

It is the third suspected sexual assault in the home service in Vänersborg in two years. In a previous case, a man in his 25s was convicted and expelled for aggravated sexual assault against an elderly woman.