Swedish Police Release 'Don't Touch Me' Wristbands to Fight Migrant Sex Assault Epidemic

Sweden's police chief unveiled the force's latest weapon in the fight against sexual assault: wristbands reading "Don't touch me".

A recent Swedish press release warns that groping is a crime. In it, the country's national police chief Dan Eliasson said: "No one should have to accept sexual molestation. So do not grope. And if you are groped, report it to the police."

Mr. Eliasson mentioned a variety of actions such as "a hand tucked between the legs", "a hug from behind in the crush at a club or festival", and "one person holding somebody while another grabs their breasts", describing them as "situations many young people recognise too well".

The press release announced that police intend to equip young women with wristbands with the slogan "don't touch me". This will happen over the summer, at festivals and other events for young people. "By wearing these wristbands," Sweden's police chief said, "young women will be able to make a stand".

Mr. Eliasson suggested that by wearing these accessories, women would also be able to "draw attention to the issue [of sexual assault], and urge those affected to report".

A Swedish police report released last month noted that the country had the worst rates of sexual violence against women in Europe. The report acknowledged migrants were responsible for the bulk of the problem but the police were accused of making excuses for the perpetrators.