Alcohol intoxication, sexual consent, harassment and violence among young adults in Denmark: A qualitative study

The aim of this qualitative research project is to examine the role and meanings of intoxication as well as the social and health consequences of intoxicated sexual encounters among young adults in Denmark. Concerns about sexual harassment, victimization and violence among young adults in Denmark have recently become more significant, fueled by the emergence of the #MeToo movement, as well as research evidence of high rates of sexual offenses against young women. Questioning how such high rates are possible in Denmark, scholars have coined the term “Nordic Paradox”, to emphasize the need for research on sexual violence. One key area that remains under-developed in much of the existing research is the role of intoxication in sexual encounters. As alcohol consumption and rates of intoxication are high among young adults in Denmark, compared to other European countries, we predict important connections between intoxication and sexual consent, harassment and victimization.