Protecting the Rights of People With Disabilities

People are violent to disabled people more than other people. It is a big problem. It is never your fault! You can always get help.

You can contact a Rights Protection Officer if someone has hurt you or made you do something you did not want. You can also contact them if someone calls you names, threatens or attacks you or has touched you somewhere you did not want them to.

The Rights Protection Officer can be with you and support you when you speak to the police. They can also assist you in getting help if you have difficulty talking.

If you want to talk to a Rights Protection Officer, you can send an email to rettindagaesla@rettindagaesla.is or call the Ministry of Social Affairs at their number 5458100 and get the guardian in your region. It is also possible to find names, phone numbers and emails for Right Protection Officers on this website.

Jóhanna's Story

Here is a video about Jóhanna. She is a woman with disabilities who went to Bjarkarhlíð and Stígamót for assistance in working through the abuse she suffered. Disabled women are far more likely than non-disabled women to be abused.

More Resources

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1717

The Red Cross Helpline 1717 is a phone service and webchat for those who need someone to talk to in confidentiality. They are open 24 hours, and it's free to call.

Bjarkarhlíð

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.

Setustofa hjá Bjarkarhlíð. Hér má sjá þrjá hægindastóla. Tveir eru nær og milli þeirra borð með lampa. Einn er fjær, með borð við hlið sér og hillur þar sem meðal annars er kaffikanna, bollar og nokkur tímarit. Ein planta og standlampi eru við hlið hillunnar.

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri

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.

Abuse against disabled people

People with disabilities can be subjected to various forms of abuse. It is abuse when someone hurts you or makes you feel bad.

Manneskja í fjötrum. Hún er með lokuð augu og er leið á svipinn og heldur þétt utan um sig. Rauður þykkur borði er vafinn utan um hana.

Neglect

Neglect is a type of abuse that occurs for people who are dependent on assistance (the elderly, children or people with a disability). It is neglect when a person does not receive the assistance they need in order to feel well.

Vanræksla - kona situr og heldur um fætur sínar, með mjög mikið hár sem fýkur til vinstri