There is a great need for help and support. This is the experience of the volunteer association Omdrejningspunktet, which currently has a waiting list of around 100 people. Omdrejningspunktet is a nationwide organization based in Copenhagen. It offers free group courses and counseling to people who have been subjected to psychological violence. The organization currently runs communities and courses in several locations across the country.

"We see a massive need for help. Psychological violence is widespread in Denmark, but free, professional support is limited," says psychotherapist and co-founder of Omdrejningspunktet, Bolette Kragh.

Behind the numbers on the waiting list are people who have often lived for years with low self-esteem, anxiety, isolation, and insecurity. Psychological abuse is often associated with guilt and shame. Many women say that they think: "It's probably my own fault" or "I'm probably just too vulnerable." At the same time, it can be difficult to explain to others why you stay in an unhealthy relationship.

"Our target group is adults who, either in childhood or later in life, have been exposed to psychological violence in close relationships—especially in romantic relationships. Even though the violence does not leave visible marks, the consequences can be just as serious as with physical violence," says Bolette Kragh.

At Omdrejningspunktet, participants are met at eye level and in a safe environment. The association offers free group therapy courses, which are run by trained psychotherapists and people with personal experience of psychological violence.

"Right now, we have a team of 60 volunteers who are ready to help – and yet we are unable to meet the high demand. With the foundation's support, we will be able to strengthen our capacity and help more people," says Bolette Kragh.

With support from the Sol og Strand Foundation Sol og Strand Margit and Kjeld, the goal is to recruit and train more volunteers so that Omdrejningspunktet can run more group courses. The courses typically last eight weeks and focus on understanding the dynamics of violence, regulating the nervous system, rebuilding self-esteem, and developing healthy boundaries in relationships.

"The goal is to give up to 540 people the opportunity to join a safe and professionally based community that can form the basis for new networks and relationships, thereby counteracting isolation and loneliness," says Bolette Kragh.

FACTS
Omdrejningspunktet is a voluntary association founded in 2022 with the aim of supporting adults who have been exposed to psychological violence – either in childhood or in close relationships as adults.
Since its inception, around 1,000 women have completed a course at Omdrejningspunktet. Evaluations indicate increased life mastery, less anxiety and isolation, and a greater ability to set healthy boundaries.
The organization is based in Copenhagen and runs group courses in several locations across the country.