Sophie Sager

Who was Sophie Sager?

Sophie Sager, was a Swedish writer and feminist. She was one of the very first feminist activists and speakers for the modern women’s movement in Sweden. She is also known for her part in the famous Sager Case, where she sued a man for attempted rape and won the case, which was one of the most famous Swedish criminal cases of her time.

She was born to a wealthy family and was educated in a girls’ school. As an adult, she became poor and supported herself as governess. She wished to start a dress-shop, and educated herself to a tailor in Stockholm in 1848. In Stockholm, she was offered a room by an elder man by the name of Möller. She accepted, but was attacked sexually by him in her bed at his house. She fought back, and frustrated by her resistance, Möller abused her badly, although she managed to resist an actual rape. She managed to escape his house and was given help by a doctor, who documented her injuries and encouraged her to report Möller to the police. During this age, it was very unusual for a woman to report a rape of her own free will, as it was considered very shameful, and the case was given enormous attention in the press. Möller claimed Sager was insane, but the court was convinced by the doctors medical report, and judged Möller as guilty of attempted rape and violence.