Mary Fonden

Domestic violence

In June 2008, The Mary Foundation launched “domestic violence” as its second focus area with the following words from HRH Crown Princess Mary:

“Family violence is a complex issue that is not easy to understand. And as is often the case with issues we do not understand, we are quick to judge. It is the act of violence itself that should be judged – and condemned. It is important to remember that behind the acts of violence are people who need help. A help that comes from understanding, compassion and tolerance”.

The Foundation’s first project under the umbrella “domestic violence” was the introduction of a bag pack, which is distributed to all children at crisis centres in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands until 2010.

In November 2008, The Mary Foundation sought to generate even greater focus on family and partner violence, claiming the lives of 24 women and 7 children a year in Denmark, by hosting a conference on domestic violence. HRH Crown Princess Mary, the Foundation’s management and a number of recognized keynote speakers emphasized that domestic violence is not a private problem, but a common concern.

“The aim of the conference is to further leverage the ongoing debate in Denmark by identifying and emphasizing the various types and degrees of family violence, and finding solutions that will help the women and children who are directly affected. Statistics show that violence breeds violence, and as such, the focus of the conference is on breaking that circle of violence. Because violence – in any shape or form – is never acceptable and can never be justified. Everybody has the right to belong. And everybody has the right to a life free of violence”, stated HRH Crown Princess Mary.

On February 4th, 2009, The Mary Foundation formed part of one of Denmark’s largest social partnerships in a new project offering vulnerable mothers financial, legal and personal counselling.

This project is a mentor-based program distinguishing itself from other similar projects by offering comprehensive financial, legal and social counselling to women who have been subject to physical, mental or financial violence as well as to women with other serious personal problems.

Additionally – and as a natural and central next step in The Mary Foundation’s efforts against domestic violence – we have decided to extend the debate by also focusing on dating violence.

“Young people and dating violence in Denmark” – a report published by The National Institute of Public Health in late May 2008 – found that ten percent of young women and four percent of young men between the age of 16 and 24, who are or have been in a relationship, are reported to have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence from a present or previous partner.

The report also paints a dark picture of the effects of dating violence on young men and women: Compared to other young people, a higher rate of psychological illnesses and suicide attempts is noted among both genders.

The Mary Foundation wishes to break that circle and chain of dating violence as well as the silent taboo existing by holding a conference on November 18th, 2009, in the centre of Copenhagen.

With dating violence as our conference theme, The Mary Foundation seeks to support the ongoing and upcoming initiatives against this type of violent behaviour, as well as to help eliminate the taboo that prevents a lot of vulnerable young people from speaking out and seeking help.

Together with the many other parties in Denmark who work to reduce domestic violence, it is The Mary Foundation’s aim to help break the circle of violence.