Kvindekrisecentrene is nation-wide refuges which is providing safe and temporary housing of women and their children. You can be enrolled at Kvindekrisecentrene with the purpose of breaking with the violence and you can stay until you are stabilised and have an overview of your situation. Feel free to contact us, if you are being exposed to physical or psychological violence or threats of violence. Violence towards or abuse of a family member is unacceptable in Denmark no matter if you are a previous or former girlfriend/wife, daughter, son or another family member. Domestic violence can happen to everyone.
You can be enrolled for a refuge though you have not reported the violence to the police or been in touch with your municipality. You have the possibility of being anonymous at Kvindekrisecentrene and you do not need a referral from the doctor or the social authorities.
We often experience that the perpetrators of violence tell their victims that they cannot stay in Denmark, if you leave them or go to a refuge. This is not the truth! If you are exposed to violence, it is legal to go to a refuge. Kvindekrisecentrene can help you understanding the rules/law system in Denmark and help you getting support from e.g. The Danish Immigration Service or other authorities.
You can bring your children to Kvindekrisecentrene and your children will not be forcibly removed from you, because you go to a refuge. This is something the perpetrators of violence often threat with.
You can be exposed to violence from e.g. your former or current boyfriend/husband, relatives or similar. All types of violence are illegal in Denmark – as well as violence towards children.
Please note that you do not have to be exposed to all types of violence to be enrolled for a refuge. You can call us anonymously on +45 30 22 49 45. We are available 24/7 all year. If you have an urgent need for help, you are welcome to call us at night. If it is not possible for you to contact us, you can ask someone in your network to call us.
Violence and abuse may appear in many shapes. These are examples of various types of violence:
Physical violence
Psychological violence – or emotional abuse – is the most widespread type of domestic violence. As there are no bruises or broken bones, domestic violence is seldom visible to others. Psychological violence may be expressed as threats or by the debasement and humiliation of the woman. She may be yelled at or subjected to constant criticism. Also, the man may refuse to speak to the woman, and he may be jealous and controlling. He will, for instance, prevent her from going to work or meeting her friends and family.
Sexual violence
Sexual violence occurs when the woman is forced to participate in sexual acts against her will. She may be forced to have sex against her will or subdued to sexual acts she does not wish to participate in. There may also be other instances of a sexual nature – such as for instance the woman being forced to have sex with the perpetrator’s friends, or she may be forced into prostituting herself.
Financial abuse
The woman may, for instance, be denied access to money, or she may be forced to hand over money she herself has earned. She may be subjected to begging for money, for food, and for pocket money. The perpetrator may also run up debts on her behalf or force her to take out a loan.
Property violence
Such abuse is directed at the woman’s belongings. Thus, the man will destroy effects of considerable importance to the woman. He may throw her computer out of the window, or he will trample on the children’s toys. He may also refuse the woman access to her things.
Stalking
Stalking may materialise in multiple ways. E.g. by way of telephone calls, text messages, letters, mails, or graffiti. The man may also order things in the woman’s name, and she will receive parcels that she never ordered. Or he may keep her under surveillance and follow after her.
Digital violence
Digital violence, or cyberstalking, is similar to stalking, albeit solely taking place online. Thus, the man may for instance share intimate photos on social media, or he may threaten to do so. He may also pursue the woman via” find my iPhone”, Snapchat, ”Find my location”, or perhaps he will install a concealed GPS.
Reference – LOKK (The National Organisation of Refuges for Women)
If you are being exposed to violence, please follow these instructions:
If you fear for your or your children’s life/lives, you should immediately leave the house and call the police on 112.
If you are in a safe place, you can call Kvindekrisecentrene on +45 30 22 49 45. We can advise you what to do. If you are being exposed to violence, you should leave your home quickly and if you do not have time to pack your personal belongings, we can supply you or children with clothes, equipment for babies/children and toiletries and much more.
If it is possible for you to pack your personal belongings, you should remember:
You can call us on +45 30 22 49 45 or send an email to kontakt@midtjyllandskrisecenter.dk or show up on our address for an arranged meeting. We are available 24/7 all year. If you have an urgent need for help, you are welcome to call us at night.
