Coercion and restraint are when someone takes away an individual’s right to self-determination. Most often against their will.
When a person's right to self-determination is taken away against their will it is called coercion and restraint. The person is often not able to object or do anything about it.
Coercion and restraint are serious acts and can have major negative effects. They are banned by law except in rare cases.
When a person is held down by physical force. Often used to prevent the person from causing harm to themselves or others or damaging their or others' property.
Sometimes the use of physical force is considered necessary to protect the individual or others.
It is important to try to find the cause of a person's violent behaviour. The cause is often easy to prevent.
When a person is forced to do activities that they do not want to do.
The activities may be considered necessary such as taking medication, eating, washing, using assistive devices, and so on.
When a person's home is locked so that they cannot get out unless they ask for permission.
It also applies when a person is tied down in a chair or bed.
When a person is moved from place to place against their will, such as from home to day care.
When a person is given limited or no access to their property. Examples: when access to a bank account is removed or a refrigerator is locked.
If a relative believe that coercion is being used, it may be a sign that the caregiver does not have the resources or knowledge to properly support the disabled or elderly person.
Healthcare centres and the Alzheimer’s Association offer counselling for relatives.
The Disability Rights Protection Office of Iceland handles helping people with disabilities to protect their rights. There is no age limit there, so older people are covered by the law on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities.
On the Ísland.is website, you can send a general message The Disability Rights Protection Office of Iceland, but you can also send a report of violations of rights.
On the website you can also find an application to become a personal advocate for an individual who has difficulty protecting their interests.
If service providers believe it necessary to use coercion or restraint on a client, then an exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour where the grounds for the request are defined.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, it is possible to grant service providers an exemption from the law and allow the use of coercion. It is only granted if the safety of the individual can be ensured and that there are legitimate grounds for requesting an exemption.
It should be noted that this only applies to those that provide services to people with independent residence, not public institutions that are a part of the health system (that includes nursing homes).
Legitimate exceptions may include:
