It’s very hard to walk out of an abusive relationship. If you succeed, it’s often conflicted with even more violence. Being subjected to violence and threats might make you eligible for a protected identity, with a confidentiality marking. Living under protected identity keeps the perpetrator at a distance, but it will most likely make you a prisoner of your own life. If there are children involved, they suffer the most. The following story is fictional, based upon several interviews with families living under protected identity.
Gustav and his mum live under protected identity. Every morning Gustav gets up and watches TV. He’s not going to kindergarten since his mum is not working. Finding work as a person living under protected identity is not easy. Gustav’s mum doesn’t know if she can accept a job, since she doesn't know anyone who can babysit Gustav. Gustav’s mum is scared of leaving Gustav in kindergarten. What if his identity will be revealed? She’s scared that the person who’s threatening them will find Gustav there.
Gustav and his mum spend most of their time at home. Mum doesn't like to go out if she doesn´t have to. By going out there is always a risk of being spotted. Instead of going out Gustav and his mum spend a lot of time cooking together. Nothing special really, since they don’t have much money.
Gustav doesn´t like to spend so much time at home. It's boring and he wants to play with friends. He knows he cannot do so, because his mum fears their safety. Once when Gustav do was in kindergarten his dad just showed up and picked him up. The staff, the teachers couldn’t do anything to stop him.
Mum knows that Gustav finds the days boring. It’s a constant worry of hers. It’s dangerous for them to go outside. What if Gustav’s dad suddenly shows up when they are out? They won’t be able to get away. Gustav is only little and cannot run so fast. Mum knows that children are gullible and innocent. What if Gustav’s dad approaches him. What if Gustav follows him? The risk is too great. If mum does take Gustav somewhere, they always get a taxi.
Gustav and his mum spend a lot of time, a lot of days in the same way. The evenings are the worst. The evenings are what they both dread the most. Gustav finds it hard to go to sleep. He also has a lot of nightmares. He knows his mum doesn’t like his questions, he knows his mum doesn’t have any answers, but he asks them anyway. Every bedtime he asks the same questions. All the questions his mum's dreading.
- When can I go outside to play?
- When can I go to kindergarten?
- Why is my dad doing what he’s doing?
- When are we moving the next time?
When it’s time for Gustav to start school, there is no runaway. Gustav has to go to school. It’s mandatory to go to school so he cannot stay at home. Gustav likes school, but he also knows how much his mum is worrying when he’s there. What if his dad finds out where they are, where Gustav’s school is? What if they have to flee again?
Gustav’s school has made a mistake and revealed Gustav and his mum’s location. Gustav’s mum says they have to move again. This time far away. They have been living in the county of Skåne for a long time. Gustav’s mum has now decided they are moving to the northern part of the country. Her decision is blinded by fear. Mum’s fear and vigilance have kept them alive for a long time, but now she is really scared. It makes her make mistakes.
Gustav has to participate in school, but who will keep him safe there? Who will protect him there? Who will protect Gustav and his mum? Who will keep them safe?