Danish organizations call for action plan to support children affected by domestic violence

Five years ago, the life of a boy we will refer to as “Anders” was turned upside down when the violence he endured as part of his daily life in his family came to light. “I think, like many children who experience violence, I didn’t know it was wrong,” says Anders, who is now 18 and still affected by his past experiences. He wishes that adults he encountered years ago had questioned him about his situation.

Danner, an organization working to ensure women and children live without violence, has connected us with Anders. He is not his real name, and his identity is known to us, but we have chosen to anonymize him due to the nature of the case.

Today, several organizations are calling for a national action plan in Denmark focusing on children affected by violence. Save the Children, Children’s Conditions and Danner believe there needs to be a strong political signal that violence against children is unacceptable. They emphasize that an action plan cannot stand alone; funding is necessary for prevention and support for children who have experienced violence, as violence in childhood can have long-lasting consequences into adulthood.

Anders no longer lives with violence at home, but his experiences have left their mark. “I’ve become extra aware of how people act. I find it easy to see the evil in people. It can make me feel a bit lonely sometimes,” he says. It has been difficult for him to tell others that he was a victim of family violence, but he has gotten better at talking about his experiences.

Children and those experiencing domestic violence can seek help by calling various hotlines anonymously. Anders has benefited from a support group he joined, emphasizing the importance of long-term help for those who have experienced violence. Above all, Anders wishes people would listen more to children.