Victims of violent crimes in Denmark are now facing wait times of over a year to receive compensation for permanent injuries, with average processing times surging from 230 days in late 2024 to 394 days by the end of 2025. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has acknowledged the situation as unsustainable and announced plans for legislative changes to address the growing backlog.
Explosion in Compensation Wait Times
New data obtained by TV 2 from the Civil Administration reveals a dramatic increase in how long crime victims must wait for compensation decisions. The average processing time has jumped by more than 70 percent in just one year, creating what experts call an untenable situation for people trying to rebuild their lives after violent attacks.
For many victims, the actual wait extends far beyond the average. A 29-year-old man who was brutally assaulted in Aarhus in August 2022 has been waiting nearly two and a half years for compensation since a regional court issued its verdict in October 2023. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted his case in her New Year’s address.
The victim suffers from chronic headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder, and whiplash injuries. He has lost his ability to work and has been granted early retirement pension. Despite his severe condition, he continues fighting for compensation for his permanent injuries.
Impact on Victims’ Lives
Simon Eilrich, an attorney and expert in compensation law representing the 29-year-old victim, describes the extended delays as a massive problem affecting numerous cases. The uncertainty prevents victims from moving forward with their lives.
Helle Hald, chairperson of the National Association of Legal Counsel, regularly encounters similar situations in her practice. She emphasizes that prolonged waiting periods can be deeply traumatic for victims, keeping them trapped in a victim role and forcing them to put their lives on hold.
Government Acknowledges Failure
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard admits the current processing times are unacceptable. In a written statement to TV 2, he acknowledged that citizens who have been victims of crimes should not have to wait years for their compensation cases to be processed.
The delays persist despite previous government efforts to address the problem. Earlier initiatives included simplifying procedures and allocating additional resources to the Compensation Board. Specifically, the government allocated nearly 9.5 million kroner annually from 2023 to 2025, with funding extended for another year in the 2026 budget.
However, these measures have proven insufficient. According to the Ministry of Justice, the victim compensation system has historically struggled with case backlogs and increasing processing times.
Structural Problems Identified
The Civil Administration, which supports the Compensation Board, explains that there has been no structural balance between case volume and processing capacity for an extended period. The cases are often complicated and extensive, requiring significant resources.
In a statement to TV 2, the Civil Administration indicated that bringing processing times down to a reasonable level would require substantial and permanent resource allocation under the current system.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
Recognizing that simplified procedures and ongoing funding have failed to resolve the lengthy wait times, Justice Minister Hummelgaard has announced plans for legislative reform. The ministry is working on what he describes as a more sustainable solution that can provide a foundation for reducing processing times to more reasonable levels.
According to Hummelgaard, the Justice Ministry is working to introduce a bill amending the victim compensation law during the current parliamentary session. The exact nature of these changes has not yet been detailed, but the goal is to create lasting improvements rather than temporary fixes.
The announcement comes as relief to legal professionals who have been advocating for systemic changes to help their clients receive timely compensation. The extended delays not only affect victims financially but also impede their psychological recovery and ability to move forward after traumatic experiences.
Interestingly, the problem highlights broader challenges within Denmark’s justice system in balancing thorough case evaluation with timely resolution. As case numbers continue to rise, the government faces pressure to find solutions that both serve justice and respect victims’ needs for closure and financial support.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Best Law Firms Copenhagen
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Ventetid på erstatning til ofre eksploderet – uholdbart, erkender justitsminister
