Divorce rate on a steady decline

Our neighbouring countries have had a declining divorce rate in recent years, and new figures show that this also the case in the Faroes.

Between 2010 and 2018, the annual Faroese divorce rate dropped steadily from 92 to 59.

Housing shortage

One reason for the decline in divorces, according to couples therapist Bjarta Petersen, is the current housing situation.

“With the current housing shortage, many couples decide to stay together despite their marital troubles because they simply cannot find any alternative accommodation.”

Another related reason, she adds, is that house prices are so high these days that two incomes are needed to pay a mortgage, and that is why many couples are trying harder now to make their marriage work.

More couples seek therapy

Another reason, according to Petersen, is that there has been a significant increase in married couples seeking counselling in an effort to solve their problems.

“The most common complaint we hear from women is that they do not feel appreciated or understood by their husbands. For men who initiate couples therapy, the reason is almost exclusively infidelity.”

Translated by prosa.fo