Sexual violence has several forms. It can be sexual harassment, abusing children, digital, prostitution or rape. Having sex without consent is always rape. Rape is one of the most serious crimes there are – only murder is considered more serious. Repercussions of rape can last a lifetime. 

Consent means that both individuals agree to have sex. It is never OK to insist or force a person to have sex, regardless of whether people are in a relationship or not. Consent is key. 

Nothing justifies rape, the rapist alone is responsible for his actions. If you are raped, it is never your fault. 

If you've experienced raped, some kind of coercing or your boundaries have been crossed during sex - it is worth a second thought. You can always contact Bjarkarhlíð to get counseling. It does not matter how long it has been since the incident. 

If you have been subjected to sexual assault or harassment you should consider reporting it to the police. We have collected information about the legal process, from initial reports all the way through the case being brought to court.

A guide to the Icelandic justice system for victims of sexual offences

Giving consent of one’s own free will is necessary in sex and sexual activities. Anything else is sexual abuse.

During the first months of the relationship Lára found it admirable and sexy how easy it was to talk to Þrándur about sex. But over time ...

During the first months of the relationship Lára found it admirable and sexy how easy it was to talk to Þrándur about sex. But over time his need for talking about and having sex only seemed to increase and she started finding it uncomfortable. Especially when he told her about a rape fantasy that he has.

One night Lára wakes up to Þrándur having sex with her. She does not know what to do so she does nothing. Afterwards, Þrándur thanks her, turns on his other side and falls asleep. 

Bjarkarhlíð offers help to all people who have suffered abuse. You will be well taken care of here.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, or been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact a counselor at Bjarmahlíð regardless of your gender, origin or social status. There you will have access to a police officer, a lawyer, a social worker, and other organizations that offer support. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost associated with services or counseling.

The building is wheelchair accessible. If you need, you can get sign language or language interpretation.

Bjarkarhlíð is located near Bústaðarvegur in Reykjavík. Opening hours are on weekdays from 9–5. It is best to book a time through their website, calling their phone number: 553 3000. You can also send an email to bjarkarhlid@bjarkarhlid.is.

Family Justice Center for Survivors of Violence

Íslenska, English. Language and sign language interpretation.

Bjarkarhlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Please notify first if you need wheelchair access.

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri helps all people who have suffered abuse. 

If you or anyone you know has been abused, you can contact a counselor at Bjarmahlíð regardless of your gender, origin or social status. There you will have access to a police officer, a lawyer, a social worker, and other organizations that offer support. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost associated with services or counseling.

If necessary, you can receive sign language interpretation or language interpretation. The building is not wheelchair accessible, so if you need such access, please mention this when you book an appointment, a counselor can then meet with you at the Social Services office of Akureyri located in Glerárgata. 

Bjarmahlíð is located at Aðalstræti 14 in Akureyri. The office is open weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. It is best to book a time on their website or call via telephone 551 2520. You can also send them an email at bjarmahlid@bjarmahlid.is.

Bjarmahlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Walk-in service for victims of sexual abuse is open 24 hours a day.

Walk-in service for victims of sexual abuse is located in the Emergency Room (Bráðamóttaka) at the National Hospital in Fossvogur. It is open 24/7, and there is no cost for going there. You will get help, regardless of where you are from or where you live. It is a good idea to bring someone you trust with you.

There are nurses, psychologists, and doctors who work in the emergency room who provide you help with both physical and emotional wounds.  There, you can also get assistance from a lawyer or legal rights protector. Physical evidence is collected for use if you choose to press charges. Even though it's hard, to increase the chances of finding criminal evidence, it's best to go to the emergency room as soon as possible, without washing yourself or your clothes.

The phone number at the ER is 543 2000, and it is open 24/7. You can also contact them directly at 543 2094 during daytime work hours. It is also possible to send an email to neydarmottaka@landspitali.is or contact the emergency room through the online chat on the hospital's website. 

Support and counselling for sexual abuse 

Language and sign language interpretation.

The Emergency Room for Sexual Abuse assists anyone who has been raped, experienced attempted rape or any other sexual abuse.

543 2000 (24/7) or directly 543 2094 (daytime work hours)

Emergency care for sexual assault victims

Spiking is when someone gives another person a drink, medicine or drugs that have been spiked, in order to gain control over the person.

Nobody has the right to force another person to do something sexual against their will. Having sex with another person without consent is rape. 

Rape

Having sex without consent is rape

A guide to the Icelandic justice system for victims of sexual offences

Consent

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Lára

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Support

Bjarkarhlíð

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri

Emergency care for sexual assault victims

Spiking