Seek(ing) help

If you recognize any of the early warning signs in your relationship, then there are people who can listen and help you decide your next steps.

You might not want or feel able to end your relationship for the time being, but it is important that you get help to end the abuse and to regain confidence in yourself. Without intervention, it is unlikely that the abuse will stop on its own. On the contrary, it is likely that the abuse and controlling behavior will increase and become more dangerous.

You do not always need to report your situation to the police - there are many other ways to ask for help. These could include:

A trusted family member, friend or colleague. Remember they might not react in the way you expect, and they are not professionally aware of the dynamics of domestic abuse. However, getting the support of a friend to go with you to the local women's shelter, or to another specialist can be an important first step.

A doctor, social worker or the police. More and more professionals have learned about the consequences of living in an abusive relationship. Psychological violence is now criminalized in Denmark, and the level of punishment is the same as for physical violence, up to three years in prison. You might not want to report it to the police right now, but it is a good idea to document the violence, e.g. by consulting an authority.

Find the nearest women’s shelter in Denmark (opens in a new browser) 

Danners free hotline – a 24-hour confidential hotline, where you can talk to us and ask for advice and guidance: 3333 0047

Live Without Violence (in Danish: Lev Uden Vold) – a national hotline for both women and men exposed to violence: 1888

Ethnic Minority Youth – se much more here (opens in a new browser)  

Contact the police if you are in immediate danger - call 112. If it is not urgent - call 114. You can also contact your local police station to inform them about threatening or violent episodes.