Government package aims to curb stalking in Denmark

Immediate restraining orders and tougher penalties among seven new initiatives

The justice minister, Søren Pind, and the equality minister, Ellen Thrane Nørby, will this afternoon present seven new initiatives geared towards curbing stalking.

Among the initiatives is one that allows the police to issue a restraining order ahead of a decision being made in court.

“We’ve realised that it can be very difficult to get a restraining order and many give up during the process,” Pind told DR Nyheder.

“And now you can produce an immediate restraining order and then investigate the case more thoroughly afterwards – unless there are clear grounds against doing so.”

“The police will intervene faster. There needs to be a tougher and more consistent set of rules for stalking in Denmark. It is a growing problem.”

READ MORE: Huge spike in stalker cases in Denmark

Punishment adequate?
Immediate retraining orders demand less evidence than is normally the case, and they will only be used in uncomplicated cases such as ones that don’t involve children.

Another initiative in the stalking package is for the state prosecutor to look into whether the two-year punishment framework is utilised well enough.

A recent report from the Justice Ministry revealed that the waiting times for stalking cases had increased considerably in recent years to 272 days on average.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs