In its first thematic report, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) acknowledges the considerable progress made by Denmark, particularly in aligning its national legislation with the requirements of the Istanbul Convention. These include the criminalisation of stalking and psychological violence, as well as the introduction of a consent-based definition of sexual violence in the criminal code, which will encourage more victims to come forward. 

The report, under the theme “support, protection and justice to victims of violence against women and domestic violence” commends the Danish authorities for the substantial increase in funding allocated to the implementation of domestic violence policies since the baseline evaluation report in 2017. Further, GREVIO welcomes the establishment of specialised and multidisciplinary police teams to provide a trauma-informed response to cases of violence against women. This recognition is a significant step towards fostering victims’ trust in the criminal justice system. 

Similarly, the legal amendment permitting the video recording of initial interviews with victims of sexual violence by the police which may subsequently be used as evidence in criminal proceedings, serves to prevent the re-victimisation and re-traumatisation of victims in the courtroom. 

The Danish authorities have also addressed emerging forms of violence against women by successfully prosecuting a significant number of perpetrators involved in the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. 

However, GREVIO has identified areas requiring further action to fully comply with the Istanbul Convention. These include the insufficient recognition of the gendered nature of violence against women in the overall policy framework, and the need to expand training initiatives to encompass all relevant professional groups such as social welfare professionals, Family Law Agency, judges and prosecutors. 

GREVIO further expresses concern regarding custody and visitation proceedings conducted without sufficient consideration for domestic violence experienced, the risks this may present to women and children separating from the abuser. It noted undue emphasis placed on parental collaboration in such cases, and victim-blaming attitudes frequently displayed, including by portraying women victims of domestic violence as engaging in “collaborative harassment” with the alleged aim of preventing children from maintaining contact with the abusive parent. In this context, GREVIO cautions against the planned inclusion of the concept of “parental alienation” into national legislation, as such measure could undermine the position of women victims of violence who seek safe custody and visitation arrangements. 

Last, while acknowledging the overall compliance of the Danish legal framework on emergency barring and restraining orders with the Istanbul Convention, GREVIO notes with regret the insufficient use and enforcement of these measures to provide adequate protection to victims of violence against women.

 Comments by the Government

 GREVIO and Denmark