Victims' Rights 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?
If you are the victim of a crime in Denmark, you have specific statutory rights:
- Right to information: The police must inform you of the progress of the investigation, your right to compensation and the victim-support services available.
- Victim's legal counsel: In cases of serious violence, sexual offences or domestic violence, you have the right to a court-appointed victim's legal counsel (bistandsadvokat) at no cost.
- Compensation: You can bring a compensation claim against the offender as part of the criminal case, or seek compensation separately from Erstatningsnævnet (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board).
- Protection: The court can issue a restraining order and other protective measures.
- Support: The national organisation Offerrådgivningen offers free emotional and practical support.
When does it apply?
- You are a victim of a criminal offence — violence, sexual offences, robbery, fraud, domestic violence, etc.
- A relative of a homicide victim also has the right to a victim's legal counsel and compensation.
What to do if you are the victim of a crime and need support or compensation in Denmark
- Report the crime to the police — it is a precondition for most compensation claims.
- Ask for a victim's legal counsel if the case qualifies — the court appoints one at no cost to you.
- Contact Offerrådgivningen for emotional support and practical guidance.
- File a compensation application with Erstatningsnævnet within 2 years of the offence (an extension is possible in special cases).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait too long to report — Erstatningsnævnet requires a police report as a starting point.
- Don't assume you have to appear in court alone — your victim's legal counsel accompanies and advises you throughout.
- Don't enter private settlements without legal advice — you may be entitled to more than the offender informally offers.
About Police & Civil Rights in Denmark
Your rights during a Danish police encounter stem from Retsplejeloven (the Administration of Justice Act) and § 71 of the Constitution (Grundloven), which requires that you be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. If you are stopped, you must give your name, address and date of birth — but you have the right to remain silent about criminal matters. On arrest you must be told the reason and have access to a defence lawyer (court-appointed if you cannot afford one). A search of a home normally requires a court order. Complaints about police conduct are filed with the independent DUP.
Common Questions
Can I get a free lawyer as a victim in Denmark?
Yes, in cases of serious violence, sexual offences or domestic violence you have the right to a court-appointed victim's legal counsel at no cost under §§ 741a-741g of the Administration of Justice Act. Relatives of homicide victims are also eligible. Ask for one when you report the crime.
How do I seek compensation as a victim in Denmark?
You can bring a claim against the offender as part of the criminal case, or seek compensation separately from Erstatningsnævnet (the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board). The Erstatningsnævnet application must be filed within 2 years of the offence, with a possible extension in special cases. A police report is a precondition.
Where can I get emotional support as a victim in Denmark?
Contact Offerrådgivningen, the national organisation that offers free emotional and practical support to victims of crime. The court can also issue a restraining order and other protective measures if you need protection from the offender.
What is the victims' rights right in Denmark?
If you are the victim of a crime in Denmark, you have specific statutory rights:Right to information: The police must inform you of the progress of the investigation, your right to compensation and the victim-support services available.Victim's legal counsel: In cases of serious violence, sexual offences or domestic violence, you have the right to a court-appointed victim's legal counsel (bistandsadvokat) at no cost.Compensation: You can bring a compensation claim against the offender as part of the criminal case, or seek compensation separately from Erstatningsnævnet (the Criminal Injuries...
When does it apply — victims' rights?
You are a victim of a criminal offence — violence, sexual offences, robbery, fraud, domestic violence, etc.A relative of a homicide victim also has the right to a victim's legal counsel and compensation.
What should I do if I have been the victim of a crime and want to seek compensation in Denmark?
Report the crime to the police — it is a precondition for most compensation claims.Ask for a victim's legal counsel if the case qualifies — the court appoints one at no cost to you.Contact Offerrådgivningen for emotional support and practical guidance.File a compensation application with Erstatningsnævnet within 2 years of the offence (an extension is possible in special cases).
What should you NOT do — victims' rights?
Don't wait too long to report — Erstatningsnævnet requires a police report as a starting point.Don't assume you have to appear in court alone — your victim's legal counsel accompanies and advises you throughout.Don't enter private settlements without legal advice — you may be entitled to more than the offender informally offers.