More sexual assaults reported at Danish asylum centres

Even more cases may have gone unreported, claims expert

Lucie Rychla

The number of registered cases of sexual abuse, indecent exposure and rape at Danish asylum centres has grown significantly this year, according to figures from national police department Rigspolitiet.

A total of 10 attacks were reported at seven centres by the end of November, which is more than in the previous three years combined, when the authorities registered three, two and four cases of rape or sexual abuse respectively.

READ MORE: Danish police investigating possible sexual abuse of young asylum-seekers

Some go unreported
Peter Skaarup, the chairman of the Parliamentary committee on legal affairs, believes some cases in the past went unreported, which may explain why the increase in assaults seems much higher this year.

At a refugee centre for boys in Tullebølle on Langeland, two female employees allegedly sexually abused two boys who might have been as old as 17, while sexual assaults were also reported at other asylum centres on the island.

Sandholm asylum centre, which is located north of Copenhagen, registered one case of rape and three cases of indecent exposure.

READ MORE: Asylum centres closing as arrival numbers fall

Fewer refugees
Skaarup reckons the total number of sexual abuse cases at the refugee centres in Denmark may be even higher.

“Even though there have been fewer asylum-seekers this year, we cannot rule out seeing more cases of sexual abuse in future statistics, because it is now required they are registered,” Skaarup told DR.

Some 10,573 refugees have been housed at Danish asylum centres this year, compared to 17,145 in 2015.

TOP STORIES

  • Photo story: Meet the internationals at Reffen Street Food

    Photo story: Meet the internationals at Reffen Street Food

    The weather is brightening and Reffen Street Food – an open-air market out on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen – is gearing up for a busy summer. With a multitude of stands from all around the world, the market is packed with talented international entrepreneurs and chefs.

  • 9 out of 10 new hires in Denmark are internationals

    9 out of 10 new hires in Denmark are internationals

    Internationals account for as much as 87 percent of the growth in national employment, according to new figures from Dansk Industri.

  • Volunteering – a way into Danish communities

    Volunteering – a way into Danish communities

    As an international arriving to Denmark, finding social connections is hard. That’s why the International House Copenhagen organized a volunteer night, to find a perfect match to connect and contribute to the Danish society.

  • The future of work in Denmark and the EU

    The future of work in Denmark and the EU

    With the European Parliament elections in June, and skilled labour shortages being felt across the EU, political debate on the future of work and migration has intensified. Here, Kathrine Richter, EP candidate for the pan-European political party Volt, talks about whether Denmark is doing enough to reform its labour market and compete with other member states to attract foreign professionals.

  • Sweden’s failed integration stirs strong emotion in Danish parallel societies debate

    Sweden’s failed integration stirs strong emotion in Danish parallel societies debate

    A remarkable speech by the immigration speaker of Socialdemokratiet sparks fierce debate in the leading government party.

  • Restaurants call out Danish diners’ behaviour

    Restaurants call out Danish diners’ behaviour

    Copenhagen restaurants are seeing high rates of no-show reservations, according to the hospitality trade association Horesta. Several sector workers argue that no-shows should pay a cash penalty.

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