From Resistance to Recognition:The Evolution of Support for Danish World War II Victims 1945-1969

In the aftermath of World War II, Denmark introduced a compensation act for resistance fighters, initially presented as a generous initiative. However, it assumed war victims—apart from amputees—would recover quickly from war-related illnesses. This proved incorrect, as many experienced long-term effects, including physical complications and conditions later diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<br/><br/>Signs of mental trauma appeared across various groups of war victims, particularly among torture survivors and former concentration camp prisoners. Danish medical professionals labelled these mental health issues "concentration camp syndrome," reflecting their unique psychological toll.<br/><br/>While the compensation act quickly accommodated physical late effects of war-related injuries, it took 24 years to amend legislation to recognise concentration camp syndrome as a compensable condition. Efforts to address this gap began in 1946, with associations former prisoners advocating for recognition. Despite initial failures, these associations gradually shifted tactics, moving from direct appeals to lawmakers to broader critiques of systemic treatment, strengthened by medical arguments.<br/><br/>This presentation examines the role of Danish war victim associations, focusing on their evolving strategies for recognition and change. It also explores the interplay between medical research and public perceptions of resistance fighters, shedding light on factors influencing legislative and societal responses to war-related mental health issues.