Danish youth to receive questionnaire on childhood abuse

“Was there ever a caregiver who choked you?”

“Did anyone make you look at sexual material in films or pictures?”

“Did anyone rape you?”

Nearly 300,000 young people aged 18–21 will soon find a questionnaire in their e-Boks that is by no means easy reading.

The sender is researchers from Aarhus University. The study is the largest of its kind in the world and aims to create new and more nuanced knowledge about childhood abuse.

We lack knowledge about hidden abuse

The questionnaire includes a range of personal and detailed questions about, among other things, physical violence, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse.

“Some of the questions may feel intrusive because we ask participants to reflect on potentially difficult experiences from their upbringing. However, it is necessary to ask concrete and descriptive questions if we are to ensure that we also shed light on forms of abuse that can be difficult to identify or put into words,” says Assistant Professor Troels Græsholt-Knudsen from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University, who leads the study.

Research shows that far more children are subjected to abuse than is reflected in cases recorded by authorities.

“We lack knowledge about the characteristics of the children and young people who are not identified. That knowledge is crucial if we are to improve our ability to find and help them,” the researcher explains.

Participation is voluntary

The reason the survey is sent to all Danes aged 18–21 is that a large data set is necessary to identify patterns and draw reliable conclusions.

“Participation in the study is entirely voluntary. Recipients are informed about the content of the study before they begin, and they can pause or discontinue their responses at any time,” emphasizes Troels Græsholt-Knudsen, who is aware that some participants may experience temporary discomfort when answering the questions.

To address potential reactions, the questionnaire continuously provides information about relevant support services where participants can seek help if they feel distressed during or after the process.

Developed in collaboration with abuse survivors

The study has been developed in collaboration with professional experts and individuals with personal experience of childhood abuse. The project has also been reviewed and approved by Aarhus University’s Ethics Committee, which has contributed input on wording and the best way to communicate about the topic.

Data from the study will be treated with confidentiality. All personally identifiable information, such as name and civil registration number, will be removed so that individual participants cannot be identified by researchers. The information will be used solely for research purposes and will not be shared with authorities except for purposes of research.

Facts about the study:

• From 9th of April to July 2026, the Department of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University will send a questionnaire to all young people in Denmark aged 18–21 via e-Boks.
• The study is conducted in collaboration between the Department of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University, Save the Children Denmark, VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Statistics Denmark, Tilst Skole, and the University of Edinburgh.
• The purpose is to create a better knowledge base for preventing abuse against children and young people and to strengthen efforts to identify and support those who currently do not receive the necessary help.
• The project is funded by the Department of Forensic Medicine and the Victims Fund. The part of the project involving VIVE is funded by the Danish Authority of Social Services and Housing.
• The material is financially supported by the Victims Fund. The execution, content, and results are solely the responsibility of the authors. The assessments and viewpoints expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Victims Fund Council.

Contact

Assistant Professor Troels Græsholt-Knudsen
Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine
Phone: 20 72 31 80
Mail: tgkn@forens.au.dk

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