Systematic screenings in Danish hospitals are uncovering domestic violence among pregnant women, leading to new regional programs aimed at early intervention and support.
Rising Awareness of Partner Violence During Pregnancy
In recent years, Danish maternity care has taken a proactive turn in confronting an often-hidden problem: domestic violence against pregnant women. A targeted screening initiative in southern Denmark is now revealing the extent of the issue and helping vulnerable women receive the care they need.
The program, launched in 2021 in Region of Southern Denmark, requires all pregnant women to fill out a confidential questionnaire. It asks about their relationships, levels of conflict, and potential exposure to violence. According to research data, around 8.5 percent of participants screened positive for violence or severe relationship conflict, a figure that surprised many health professionals.
How the Screening Works
The screening began as a research project but has now become a permanent part of prenatal care across the region. Women who screen positive are invited to attend several follow-up sessions with a midwife specially trained to discuss sensitive experiences like relationship violence.
These sessions are private and take place alongside routine medical appointments. So far, this structure has shown measurable results. Surveys indicate a notable drop in depressive symptoms among those who receive follow-up support.
Interestingly, the approach mirrors Denmark’s holistic view of maternal care, emphasizing both physical and emotional well-being. That same philosophy extends to the country’s broader healthcare system, which offers comprehensive public services to everyone, including newcomers. To understand that system better, see Danish healthcare.
The Queen and the Expansion of the Program
Efforts to strengthen prenatal violence screening stretch beyond Southern Denmark. On the island of Zealand, a similar project called “Together Without Violence – Pregnancy” has trained 300 midwives and healthcare workers to identify risk factors through structured interviews.
During a special event at Holbæk Hospital, Queen Mary of Denmark participated in a professional training day marking the milestone. Her involvement highlighted the national significance of the program and the role of organizations like the Mary Foundation, which supports initiatives combating domestic violence.
The Zealand program started in 2019 at Amager and Hvidovre Hospital near Copenhagen. Before the screening began, staff discovered only a handful of cases each year. Now they find one or two at-risk couples every week—a clear sign that earlier detection works.
Protecting Mothers and Children
Violence during pregnancy carries serious health risks. Studies show that women exposed to partner violence have a 24 percent higher chance of giving birth prematurely and a 35 percent higher risk of low birth weight in their babies.
Experts note that many people caught in violent relationships grew up with violence themselves, which makes early intervention even more critical. Breaking that cycle helps both mother and child, ensuring a safer environment before the baby is even born.
For foreigners living in Denmark, access to these kinds of preventive programs reflects how the national health insurance system integrates mental and social care. Learn more about coverage for non-citizens through health insurance in Denmark for foreigners.
Looking Ahead
Because of these regional pilots, more Danish hospitals are now considering adopting systematic screening practices. The findings show that routine questions during pregnancy can save lives by uncovering problems that often remain hidden.
While each region adapts the model differently, the shared goal is clear: to ensure that every expecting mother, regardless of background, feels safe and supported throughout her pregnancy. In the long run, such efforts may also reduce the health and social costs associated with domestic violence for future generations.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Healthcare Explained for Tourists & Expats
The Danish Dream: Health Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Systematic Screening Reveals Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women
