The Non-Governmental Organization for Children Exposed
to Domestic Violence
Awareness Campaign
Our campaign, "The Bitch Hits Back" is a call to action to
all who are passive witnesses to violence. The goal of this
campaign is to bring awareness and a voice to the taboo subject of
domestic violence. Violence is unacceptable and everyone has a
responsibility to help. It is illegal to commit acts of violence in
Denmark, yet on average, there are two students per class who
experience abuse in their home or in their personal relationships.
Speaking about violence between boyfriends and girlfriends is also
taboo in Denmark. Our goal is to break the silence about
violence, encourage our young people to speak about it and get the
help they need.
Domestic Violence in Denmark
Domestic violence and violent relationships are a large but
hidden problem in Denmark. About 22,000 children and young adults
are subject to violence or are witnesses to domestic violence.
Sadly, they keep the problem to themselves. This means that on
average, there are two students in every classroom who live in a
family marked by violence. Violent personal relationships are
also kept quiet. And again, it is estimated that on average, two
students in every classroom experience a violent
relationship.
Break the Chain
When children are subjected to physical and mental abuse day
after day, they become marked for life. The emotional scars of
abuse run deep and can have a devastating and long-lasting effect.
These children and young adults are much more likely to be
diagnosed with depression and panic attacks. They are also much
more likely to continue the pattern of violence in their adult
lives. Approximately 40 percent of all the girls and young women
who experience violence during childhood also accept violence in
their later relationships. About 50 percent of the boys, who grow
up in an abusive home act out with violent behavior towards a
girlfriend or a family member.
Break the Silence
Talking about violence is such a forbidden topic, that many
children and young adults find it impossible to talk about
openly. However, talking about the violence and letting it be known
to those who are in a position to help, is the only way to make it
stop. Therefore, the main goal of our
organization is to actively prevent violence in families and in
personal relationships. We organize a range of activities
directed at children and young adults as well as other target
groups, which are or will have direct contact to these children and
young adults.