It can be hard to believe that someone wants to hurt or scare others. But people sometimes do that in order to control other people. That is called abuse. It is never OK to abuse others.

There are many people who can help those who experience abuse, if they tell someone. The people who hurt and injure others can also get help. They aren’t necessarily taken away, but they can get help to change their behaviour.

When one or more people are often mean to the same person, that’s bullying.

Domestic abuse can happen in all kinds of families.

Taking or sending sexual photos or videos of children is illegal.

Sexual abuse is when someone wants to touch you in private areas or make someone touch them and keep it secret.

If you or someone you know experiences abuse, it’s best to tell an adult whom you trust. They can be someone in your family, a teacher or a friend’s parents. If there is no one you feel comfortable talking to, you can call the children’s emergency number 112. Then the family gets help solving the problem.

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You can always get help by calling 112 or on the 112 webchat

We all look different, and we all want different things. It’s important to feel good about ourselves and to tell others what we want and don’t want.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child explains children’s rights

Do you have a question about your rights? (in Icelandic)

Children have rights according to the law

A powerful counsellors’ team answers children’s questions. 100% confidentiality.

The role of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is to look after that children’s rights, needs and interests are taken into consideration. Salvör Norðdal is the appointed Ombudsman for Children and on the website barn.is there is plenty of information about children's rights. Everyone can go to The Office of the Ombudsman for Children and questions from children are always answered first.

Among the projects is to educate children and adults about The Convention on the Rights of the Child, create public discussion about children’s affairs and gather and publish information about children’s conditions and the position of specific groups of children.

Kids from 12 to 17 years old can take part in the Ombudsman's advisory group. There kids meet up and talk about how to improve human rights for children. You can sign up here (form in Icelandic). 

On their website, children can send in a question about anything (form in Icelandic). No question is to silly or stupid. Questions are answered as soon as possible and they appear anonymously on the site. Children can call the children's number 800 5999, free of charge. You can also follow the Office of the Ombudsman for Children on Facebook or Instagram.

The Ombudsman for Children is a public spokesperson for children and endeavours to have children’s rights, needs and interests taken into full consideration.

The Sick Love Chat is an anonymous online chat venue where young people can voice their worries about their relationships, communication or violence. The chat is intended for people under the age of 20 of all genders. The website is only in Icelandic. Click the green button in the right corner on their website to open the chat.

In the chat you'll be connected with SickLove consultants who are trained by Stígamót to support you and provide information about various things related to communication and violence. You enter the chat on your own terms and you do not have to enter your name or other personal information.  

It doesn't matter whether the violence or the toxic communication happened recently or long time ago. You can always chat. The aim is to help you understand what happened, help you feel better and provide you with support to take the next step. 

The chat is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 8 and 10.

The Sick love chat is an anonymous chat for young people who seek advice about their relationships, communication or violence.

Child Protection Services help all children so they can live in acceptable conditions. Report anything you witness or know of to 112.

All children have the right to a secure environment and to be protected against exploitation, abuse, harassment and discrimination. Child Protection Services help children and support families in any way possible to provide the best environment for children.

If you think a child is neglected or abused in any way, it is your duty to notify Child Protective Services. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child in Iceland, including unborn babies. You should notify about negligence, incompetence or parent's behaviour towards the child. It can also be about harassment or violence of others towards a child. Do not rely on others to report. 

You can report to Child Protective Services by calling 112 or using the webchat. You can also call your local Child protective service. You need to provide your name but you can always request that your name is kept confidential. Children can also contact authorities themselves. If the child lives in Reykjavík, you can call Reykjavík Child Protective Services at 4119200 weekdays from 8:20 am-16:15 pm or send a notification through their website. Some other municipalities also allow you to file a report online, such as Akureyri, Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur and Garðabær.

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

Abuse is about controlling, intimidating and humiliating the other person

Abuse is when someone hurts you or makes you feel bad. It is never OK to abuse others. You can always get help.

Abuse is when someone hurts you or makes you feel bad.

Information about abuse for kids

No one is allowed to abuse you or others

Different types of abuse

Bullying

Domestic abuse

Digital sexual abuse

Sexual abuse of kids

Tell someone

Healthy body and self-image

Children have rights according to the law

Support

The Ombudsman for Children

The Sick Love Chat

Child Protection Services

Teenagers