A guide to the Icelandic justice system for survivors of domestic violence

Domestic violence is abuse carried out by someone close to you — for example, a partner, ex-partner, parent, adult child, sibling, or legal guardian.

What is domestic violence?
What happens when the police are notified of domestic violence?
Guide for survivors

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is abuse carried out by someone close to you. It doesn’t have to happen at home, and the people involved don’t need to live together or be married. That’s why it’s also called intimate partner violence.

Domestic violence can take many forms — emotional, physical, sexual, financial, digital, or abuse related to family honor. It often involves coercive control. Domestic violence is illegal, and the justice system treats it very seriously.

What happens when the police are notified of domestic violence?

In many cases, the police are called to the scene. But you can also report domestic violence at any time.

If the police believe a crime has taken place, they start a formal investigation under the national procedures for domestic violence. From there, the case moves through the steps of the justice system. Even if there isn’t enough evidence at first to take the case further, the report can still help strengthen the case later on.

Going through the justice system can be tough and take time. But it’s the only way to hold the abuser accountable. This guide walks you through the process step by step — for adults, 18 years and older.

1. Start here

Tvær manneskju í blómakrónu. Önnur er leið. Hin er ánægð. Þær teygja sig í áttina að hvor annarri. Á myndinni lítur út eins og þær muni haldast í hendur mjög fljótlega.

A good first step is to seek help at a center for survivors of violence or at a healthcare facility. You can also contact 112 at any time for support related to violence.

Domestic violence is taken very seriously by the police. It is important to report domestic violence to the police in order to receive assistance, whether you decide to press charges or not.

Tvær hendur að fara að setja saman púsl.

Once the police have information that an offense has been committed, an investigation begins.

You have the right to apply for compensation. Your legal rights protection officer will apply for it on your behalf.

When the case reaches the prosecution, a decision is made whether to file charges in the case or drop it.

Manneskja með tölvutösku í hendinni stendur við þunga hurð.

Once the prosecution has issued an indictment against the perpetrator, the case is brought before the district court. You will then appear in the courtroom and recount your experience.