Child abuse

Abuse is manifested in different ways. It can be physical, mental or sexual. Spanking children is considered violence in Iceland and is prohibited. It is also child abuse when the life and health of an unborn child is put at risk.

The consequences of abuse can be serious and last far into adulthood. Consequences can be low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, increased risk of long term diseases, suicidal thought and alcohol- and drug abuse.

Even though domestic violence is not aimed at the child itself, it has a serious effect on the health and development of the child. Children can also abuse other children.

Child protection services in each municipality help children who exist in unacceptable living conditions and provide support for families.

Ending a marriage because of abuse

If you are a citizen of a country of Africa, North or South America, Asia, Australia and Oceania or a European country outside of EEA/EFTA and end your marriage or cohabitation due to you or your child having suffered abuse or violence from your partner, the Act on Foreigners allows for an exception to extend a family reunification permit.

In order for you to demonstrate that the violence took place, it is very important to contact the police, the emergency ward or a doctor, since all incidents are registered. It is also possible to call in witnesses and important to retain all evidence relevant to the case, for example emails or text messages containing threats.

Read more about child custody

Emotional abuse

It is often difficult to recognize mental or emotional abuse, but it can have profoundly serious consequences, even worse than physical abuse. It is mental abuse when parents or other caregivers show a child a persistent negative attitude and negative feelings. It is mental abuse when a child witnesses violence between its parents.

Examples of mental abuse:

• Attitude or behaviour which says that the child is worthless, nobody loves it or nobody wants to have anything to do with it.
• Complete inaction, such as not showing the child any emotion.
• When the child is insulted, called names or treated in an inhuman or humiliating way.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse leads to harm to the child or is likely to do so. The abuse can be visible, for example bruises, scratches, burns or bone fractures but sometimes it is not.

Examples of physical abuse:

• A child is slapped, shaken, thrown around, burned or tied up.
• A child is purposely given dangerous medication or something else that can harm it.
• A child is denied necessary medication.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves sexual activity, words or pictures exposed to a child. Sexual abuse can take place between an adult individual and a child or between two children where one individual has power over the other.

Examples of sexual abuse:

• A child is forced to watch porn.
• Sexual photographs are taken of a child.
• A child’s genitals are touched or a child is forced to touch someone’s genitals.
• Sexual photographs, words or conversations online.
• Sexual intercourse with a child.