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.
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.
Violence Against Women in Denmark: progress made, but custody and visitation arrangements after domestic violence remain a concern
