Protection from Domestic Violence in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish law provides both criminal and civil protection against domestic violence:
- Criminal offence: Domestic violence is prosecuted under the Criminal Code's general assault provisions — there is no separate intimate-partner-violence statute, but the prosecution applies these provisions to violence between partners.
- Restraining order (tilhold): The police can issue an immediate restraining order prohibiting the perpetrator from contacting or approaching you. The court reviews the decision within 24 hours.
- Expulsion from the shared home: The police can remove the perpetrator from the shared home for up to 4 weeks (extendable).
- Crisis shelters: Under Section 109 of the Social Services Act, municipalities must offer temporary accommodation in shelters for women and children fleeing violence.
- Free legal aid: Victims of violence are entitled to a victim's legal counsel (bistandsadvokat) at no cost.
When does it apply?
- You are subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence from a partner, ex-partner or family member.
- You need immediate protection or a safe place to stay.
What to do if you are subjected to domestic violence in Denmark
- Call 112 if you are in immediate danger.
- Contact a crisis shelter — call the national domestic-violence hotline on 1888 (24/7) for guidance and accommodation.
- Ask the police for a restraining order and/or expulsion of the perpetrator from the home.
- Ask for a victim's legal counsel — the court appoints one free of charge.
- Document injuries with photos and medical records.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent — domestic violence is a criminal offence, and help is available.
- Don't return to the perpetrator without a safety plan — shelters can help you plan your departure.
- Don't destroy evidence — text messages, photos of injuries and medical records are crucial to the prosecution.
About Family Law in Denmark
Most family-law cases in Denmark start at Familieretshuset (the Agency of Family Law), the central authority that since 2019 has handled divorce, custody, child support and paternity. You can be divorced administratively if you agree, or via the family court if you do not. Couples with children under 18 go through a 3-month reflection period. Forældreansvarsloven (the Parental Responsibility Act) treats joint custody as the default and applies the best interests of the child; children from age 10 have the right to be heard. Domestic violence is handled through restraining orders and the rules of the Criminal Code.
Common Questions
What do I do in an emergency domestic-violence situation in Denmark?
Call 112 if you are in immediate danger. For guidance and shelter accommodation, call the national domestic-violence hotline on 1888 — it is free and open 24/7. Municipalities must offer temporary accommodation for women and children fleeing violence under Section 109 of the Social Services Act.
Can I get a restraining order against a violent partner in Denmark?
Yes. Under the Restraining Orders Act, the police can issue an immediate restraining order prohibiting the perpetrator from contacting or approaching you. The court reviews the decision within 24 hours. The police can also expel the perpetrator from the shared home for up to 4 weeks, and the decision can be extended.
Do I get a free lawyer as a victim of domestic violence in Denmark?
Yes. Victims of violence are entitled to a victim's legal counsel appointed by the court at no cost. Domestic violence is prosecuted under the Criminal Code's general assault provisions (§§ 244-246). Document injuries with photos and medical records, and don't destroy evidence — messages, photos and records are crucial to the prosecution.
What is the protection from domestic violence right in Denmark?
Danish law provides both criminal and civil protection against domestic violence:Criminal offence: Domestic violence is prosecuted under the Criminal Code's general assault provisions — there is no separate intimate-partner-violence statute, but the prosecution applies these provisions to violence between partners.Restraining order (tilhold): The police can issue an immediate restraining order prohibiting the perpetrator from contacting or approaching you. The court reviews the decision within 24 hours.Expulsion from the shared home: The police can remove the perpetrator from the shared home...
When does it apply — protection from domestic violence?
You are subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence from a partner, ex-partner or family member.You need immediate protection or a safe place to stay.
What do I do if my partner is violent towards me and I need to get to safety in Denmark?
Call 112 if you are in immediate danger.Contact a crisis shelter — call the national domestic-violence hotline on 1888 (24/7) for guidance and accommodation.Ask the police for a restraining order and/or expulsion of the perpetrator from the home.Ask for a victim's legal counsel — the court appoints one free of charge.Document injuries with photos and medical records.
What should you NOT do — protection from domestic violence?
Don't stay silent — domestic violence is a criminal offence, and help is available.Don't return to the perpetrator without a safety plan — shelters can help you plan your departure.Don't destroy evidence — text messages, photos of injuries and medical records are crucial to the prosecution.