Inger-Mari Eidsvik has been pursuing a legal case against the Norwegian state for human rights violations within the mental health care system, a case that has been ongoing for many years. In January 2026, the court ruled that Inger-Mari Eidsvik’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights had been violated in connection with forced medication and the use of solitary confinement. This is because the legal safeguards required by law were not upheld in her case.
She was first subjected to compulsory treatment at the age of 24. Then – and later – she chose to stop taking neuroleptics when the compulsion was lifted.
She has been subjected to forced medication and isolation numerous times in the period between 1988 and 2016.
Eidsvik’s motivation is partly personal, based on the iatrogenic trauma she has suffered, partly professional, based on her expertise, and last but not least: a passionate commitment to ensuring that today’s young people experience a different approach to mental health care. A commitment she has had since her first admission.
The case has been a pro bono case, in which ICJ Norway, Føniks advokater and law professor Mads Andenæs have leaded the case. Without the case beeing pro bono, it would not have been possible for Eidsvik to pursue the case, either financially or personally.
Eidsvik is a trained child welfare worker, special needs teacher and trauma therapist. In addition, she has SEPREP education, with an emphasis on mental health, counseling, management/adm and IGA Basic Course. She has worked in child welfare services since 1992, in substance abuse and psychiatry in the municipality and in the specialist health service since 1998.