Hummelgaard’s Bold Proposal to Combat Violence Against Children | Politics

Currently, all citizens have a duty to notify authorities if they have concerns or knowledge of a child’s welfare being compromised.

Professionals working with children and youth in public services, such as school teachers, are subject to enhanced reporting requirements. Failure to report can result in fines or up to four months in prison.

The Minister aims to introduce the same rules in areas identified as parallel societies, acknowledging the challenge of meeting the burden of proof.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, as reported to DR, does not have specific data on the prevalence of domestic violence in socially vulnerable areas.

Reflecting on the progress made in addressing domestic violence since his childhood, the Minister acknowledges significant advancements. He highlights the Child Protection Act that came into effect on January 1, 2024, which includes mandatory reporting.

However, the issue persists, as indicated by figures from Children’s Rights. These statistics are supported by a 2021 study conducted by the organization Lev Uden Vold, revealing that 20% of adult respondents had experienced at least one form of violence from their parents in childhood.

If this approach proves effective, why not implement it nationwide for all children in Denmark?

– This is something that must also be handled with caution and applied where we believe there is a problem.

– I believe that for many years, we have been far too passive in addressing violence against young boys and girls in specific societal environments.

But wouldn’t it also be effective for the rest of the children living outside these parallel society areas?

– To some extent, yes, which is why I am not opposed to doing more or going further.

– Initially targeting some of the environments where we already know there is significantly more crime, where we also know that a culture of silence is prevalent through mediation councils involving imams, I am aware that this is a far-reaching proposal.

Hummelgaard has not informed his father about the upcoming book. DR attempted to obtain a comment from Peter Hummelgaard’s father, but it was not possible.

Speaking to Berlingske, Hummelgaard’s father states that the descriptions from the home seem exaggerated, and he does not recall the specific incidents.

He does acknowledge, however, that he has subjected his son to violence on several occasions, but emphasizes that it has not been constant, as reported by Berlingske.

Tonight on 21 Sunday, Peter Hummelgaard, along with his wife, reveals the story of his violent childhood, which he has kept hidden for decades.