Abuse against immigrants

At greater risk of being victims of abuse

There are a few reasons why immigrants and people with foreign origin are at a greater risk of being victims than people of Icelandic origin.

For example:

• Lack of Icelandic (or English) language skills.
• Social isolation.
• Lack of information.
• Lack of money.
• Cultural attitudes.
• Fear of being deported.

Immigrants who are victims of violence often choose not to report the violence. The main reason is fear of losing their residence permit since the abuser might use that as a threat (“If you report me, I will make sure you get deported”). That might also prevent them from accessing other services in Iceland.

Common methods of violence against immigrants

Isolation

• Violent spouses may prevent you from learning Icelandic.
• They may ban you from interacting with other people, especially people with the same cultural background as you.
• An abusive partner may try to have you fired from your work or report that you do not have the necessary permissions to have a job, both to isolate you socially and financially.

Threats

• To have you deported or to withdraw your application for citizenship if you report violence.
• Destroying important personal data such as passports, driver's licenses, or health insurance.
• Lie that the man always gets custody of the children because you are an immigrant or that he will tell the authorities that you are an unfit mother.
• A spouse may follow up on threats by withdrawing, delaying an application, or failing to provide documentation of residence.

Don't fear the threats!

There is no need to fear the threats of an abuser. Decisions on if you will have the right to stay in Iceland or who gets custody of a child are decided by public entities that follow the rule of law. The circumstances of each case are examined and inspected. The outcome is not based on the words of one individual, even though he is your spouse.

The Icelandic police

In Iceland, the police is trusted and people are safe to turn to them for help. The Icelandic police operates according to the law and is there to help anyone in Iceland, it doesn’t matter if you are an Icelandic citizen or not.

The Icelandic police does not have a special relationship with the police in your home country.

You have the right to get an interpreter, free of charge, from the police and other public institutions, such as the health care centre.

You can get help by calling 1-1-2 or through the online chat on this page. You can also talk to a police officer in a protected environment at victim centres in several places around the country. They also offer free advice and assistance:

• Bjarkarhlíð in Reykjavík
• Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri
• Sigurhæðir in Selfoss