The power of remembrance: honouring victims to prevent future violence

Image © the Center for Voldsforebyggelse

Near the main library in Aalborg, Denmark, a cluster of 287 plaques stands as a poignant reminder of lives lost to gender-based violence. They are part of an initiative by the Center for Voldsforebyggelse (Center for the Prevention of Violence) to commemorate the women killed in Denmark between 2000 and 2021.

But these plaques represent far more than remembrance. They are part of a broader mission to address and prevent violence in Denmark.

Ditte Bjerregaard, the founder of the Center and a trained anthropologist, started this project after years of observing first-hand the discrepancy between a perceived commitment to gender equality and a lack of meaningful support to protect victims of gender-based violence.

Femicide and the Nordic paradox
The Nordic paradox refers to the confusing contradiction between the high levels of gender equality in Nordic countries and their surprisingly high rates of intimate partner violence compared to other European nations. This paradox highlights how structural equality does not always result in personal safety or meaningful change in how society views and handles violence.

The first problem Ditte identified was a lack of data. In Denmark, for example, the crime statistics do not track gender-based violence, making it difficult to identify and track patterns.

“We don’t even have a word for femicide in Danish,” says Ditte. “Without language to discuss it, it’s hard to address the problem.”

To address this fundamental lack of information, the Center created Femicide Watch, a tool that tracks and maps all the murders of women and children in Denmark since 2000. So far, 310 murders have been reported.

“Approximately 12 women are killed every year,” explains Ditte. “That is one every month. The media describes them as sensational. But really when you look at 310 murders, it’s not a sensation.”

Creating a new normal
Founded in 2019, the Center for Voldsforebyggelse operates in Copenhagen, Aalborg, and Odense, with over 120 volunteers and three core programmes: support groups for survivors; educational initiatives for professionals and young people; and the Femicide Watch project. Together, these initiatives form a cohesive strategy to prevent violence by addressing its root causes.

Ditte’s personal journey has deeply shaped her work, and she understands the barriers survivors face, particularly around shame, silence, and a lack of knowledge.

“We know that in order to prevent violence, we need to teach and train young women, as well as men, children, and public officials – all people working with actual victims of violence or people who are in danger of being exposed to violence or use violence,” Ditte explains.

The memorial plaques: a living project
The idea for the plaques was born out of the Center’s research into femicides. The project initially aimed to place plaques in each municipality where the murders occurred. However, feedback from families led to a more flexible approach. “Many next of kin preferred the plaques to be placed together rather than displayed alone in small towns,” Ditte says.

In Aalborg, the mayor’s support made it possible to display all 287 plaques in one central location. In Holstebro and Odense, the plaques found a home at a crisis shelter, while other plaques are displayed at private locations, or even in forests.

The project has evolved beyond its original scope, becoming a support mechanism for bereaved families. “I’ve had intense dialogues with over 40 next of kin,” Ditte shares. “What began as a research and communication initiative is now part of our support programme.”

The plaques have also sparked broader societal change. In municipalities where they were displayed, conversations about femicide have led to increased awareness and, in some cases, action.

In 2024, Denmark recorded the lowest number of femicides in over a decade. While it’s too early to attribute this directly to the project, Ditte believes the increased focus on prevention has played a role.

Sharing stories, sharing hope
The women who connect with the Center are more than survivors of violence. They are storytellers and advocates, sharing their experiences to inspire change and healing, many of which are published anonymously on the Center’s website.

One participant shared how the support group helped her find her voice after leaving her abusive partner: “It gave me the strength to rebuild my life and the courage to speak out.”

Another woman reflected on the emotional scars of psychological violence: “When people talk about psychological violence, the words are never as violent as the feeling inside, where everything feels wrong. I am wrong, I should not exist at all.”

These stories also underline the need for better public education and support. “It’s about taking violence seriously and listening to our children, who time and again talk without being heard,” said one mother. “We must act before things go wrong.”

The Center’s efforts have highlighted how sharing stories fosters hope and solidarity, encouraging survivors to find their voice and take steps toward healing.

“When people hear these stories, they realise they’re not alone,” Ditte notes. “It’s the first step toward breaking the cycle of violence.”

Carrying the past with us into the future
The plaques project has made significant strides, and the Center is now expanding its reach, with plans to bring its programmes to Belarus, Georgia, and Turkey.

As the plaques continue to spark conversations, they serve as both a memorial and a call to action. They remind us that prevention is possible, and change begins when we choose to see, speak, and act. For Ditte and the Center for Voldsforebyggelse, that mission is clear: to ensure that no one is forgotten and no one is left behind.

This project falls under Oak Foundation Denmark, which seeks to support innovative solutions that improve the daily lives and future prospects of socially vulnerable and marginalised groups. For information about the programme in Danish, please visit its website here.