Denmark’s women’s prison in Jyderup faces overcrowding amid calls for new facility

Denmark’s sole women’s prison, located in Jyderup, is currently facing overcrowding issues, prompting calls for the construction of an additional facility exclusively for female inmates. This perspective is supported by politicians from various parties, including the ruling government, as well as the Socialist People’s Party and the Danish People’s Party. In contrast, prison guards argue against the need for such a facility, suggesting that separate women’s prisons are unnecessary.

Preben Bang Henriksen, the justice spokesperson for the governing party, emphasizes that women’s prisons are essential for protecting inmates from harassment and abuse. SF’s justice spokesperson, Karina Lorentzen Dehnhardt, agrees, pointing out that the current prison has insufficient capacity, with 83 women housed outside of Jyderup, despite the facility’s intended capacity of 143.

The number of imprisoned women in Denmark has risen over recent years, even though they represent only a small fraction of the total prison population—approximately five to six percent. Meanwhile, concerns about sexual harassment among female inmates were highlighted in a 2015 study, which indicated that a significant number had experienced such incidents.

The 2017 decision to establish a dedicated women’s prison was a response to this troubling data. However, current union representatives caution that the problems of harassment and abuse could persist even in a women-only prison setting.

With the lack of space for female inmates, support is growing to explore additional facilities in Jutland, particularly given that many women currently incarcerated in Jyderup come from this region. Discussions about a potential new women’s prison are expected as part of an upcoming reform in the penal system.