Denmark lags behind Nordic peers in addressing child domestic violence, say children’s rights groups
Denmark is falling behind its Nordic neighbours in ensuring children receive appropriate support when subjected to physical or psychological violence at home, according to the organizations Children’s Conditions, Save the Children, and Danner. These groups demand a greater focus on children’s rights and protections when they are exposed to violence or degrading treatment.
Pernille Spitz, a psychologist and head of Protection Against Abuse at Save the Children, advocates for national action plans similar to those implemented in other Nordic countries. Such plans would aim to reduce the number of children exposed to physical and psychological violence. Mette Marie Yde, director of Danner, echoes these sentiments, stressing the need for a comprehensive, child-centric approach to dealing with such issues.
Denmark’s Child Law, introduced on January 1st this year, is a step in the right direction according to Yde, but a comprehensive action plan like those in neighbouring countries would provide even more support for children. She also emphasizes the need to strengthen the rights of children and to regard them as individual rights holders.
In Denmark, parents have been legally prohibited from physically punishing their children since 1997. However, despite this, children continue to be subjected to both physical and psychological violence. Nearly half of the 524 calls received by Danner last year from relatives and parents concerned problems related to children in the home, with almost half of these involving direct physical or psychological violence.
Organizations highlight the need for a national action plan focusing on violence against children, accompanied by investment in prevention. They assert that once a child becomes a target of violence, it may have long-lasting effects well into adulthood. They also call for better detection of children living with violence and improved treatment for these children afterwards.
In response to this criticism, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing established a working group in June, tasked with making recommendations in the social sphere focusing on the prevention, detection, and treatment of children and young people exposed to violence at home. These recommendations are expected to be ready by 2025.