From 2020 to 2021, the number of reported rapes increased from 1,392 to 2,110.
There was also a small increase in charges: In 2020, 77.4 percent of the cases ended with a charge of rape, while in 2021 it was 79.5 percent according to figures from the National Police.
The Consent Act, which entered into force on 1 January 2021, is believed to be the reason for the increase.
A culture shift
Minister of Justice Nick Hækkerup commented that the figures indicated a change of culture, as the victims feel more secure in reporting rape and sexual assault.
“I think the new consent law really emphasizes that no one should be subjected to sexual abuse or unwanted sexual contact,” he said.
Lene Stavngaard, the leader of the social NGO Sex and Society, agreed.
»The Consent Act has won. It is a huge shift and a great success that more victims dare to report their rape, “she said.
What does the law say?
Trine Baumbach, professor of criminal law at the University of Copenhagen, explained the effect of the Consent Act.
‘One can no longer file a defense that’ the victim was passive ‘when in fact they were mentally or physically unable to refuse intercourse. Being passive no longer counts as consent. “
Baumbach added that the justice system has become much better equipped to navigate cases of violence since the Consent Act was introduced.
More judgments on the way
Although the increase in reviews and charges is not necessarily equal to more convictions, the sharp increase indicates that more convictions are on the way, according to Hækkerup.
“The reports have increased significantly. There has also been an increase in the percentage of reports that end with charges of rape. It is moving towards increased sentencing,” he said.
Source: The Nordic Page