A quarter of women in Denmark have experienced domestic violence

A huge World Health Organization analysis of 366 global studies of domestic violence towards women and girls, encompassing 161 countries, reveals that 23 percent of women in Denmark aged 15-49 have been subjected to either physical or sexual violence from their partner, or both, on at least one occasion.

Globally, the figure is 27 percent of the demographic. Of these, 24 percent had already experienced violence between the ages of 15 and 19.

Worsened by corona
The studies were chiefly carried out in 2000 and 2018, and it is widely feared that corona has made the problem even worse.

“The figures are alarming, and [further] research has shown that the pandemic has exacerbated problems leading to intimate partner violence,” said one of the WHO researchers, Claudia García-Moreno.

“Problems include isolation, depression and anxiety and alcohol use, as well as reduced access to support services.”

Fatal consequences
Violence in the household can have long-lasting consequences for both the victim and their children. They can also be fatal.

Globally, 38-50 percent of the murders of women are committed by their partners, according to a 2013 study.

According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, 600 women were murdered by an intimate partner, family member, or a relative in the 14 EU Member States that shared their data. There is no such data shared for Denmark.

Gender equality on the line
The aim of the study was to shed light on one of the 17 UN goals for 2030: Goal number 5: to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Among other things, this goal aims to end violence against women: “All forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spaces must be eliminated.”

According to the researchers, stepping up efforts to prevent intimate partner violence is crucial to achieving the goal.




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