The Danish government is proposing to double the penalties for aggravated and extremely aggravated assault. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced this initiative during a speech at the closing debate in parliament on Wednesday.

This decision comes in response to a significant increase in reported violence. Over the past decade, reports of violence have risen by more than 40 percent.

According to the Prime Minister, sentences given to criminals must better reflect the severity of their crimes. The proposed penalty increase aims to address this discrepancy in cases of aggravated assault.

Furthermore, the government intends to implement stricter penalties for other violent crimes, including assault, gang rapes, and simple violence against partners or children. The comprehensive penal reform is expected to be presented “shortly,” according to Prime Minister Frederiksen.