I have experienced sexual abuse. What should I do? 

If you think you have been the victim of an offence you should seek professional help. Your mental and physical wellbeing should always be your first priority as well as processing the trauma that you have experienced.

You might want to press charges against the perpetrator right away or wait until later. Maybe you don’t want to press charges, that is entirely in your power. The most important thing is that you can continue on with your life.

You have to decide whether you want to hold your perpetrator responsible. Pursuing your case through the justice system can be tough, but it is the only way to make the perpetrator answer for their crime.

This guide attempts to explain the process that begins when you press charges and what you can expect. It aims to clarify the process regarding offences against individuals 18 years and older.

For many victims, a visit to the emergency room is the first step towards recovery. Emergency Rooms for Sexual Abuse are located in Reykjavík and Akureyri. 

The right place if the offence occurred recently.

Going to the Emergency Room for Sexual Abuse

It is important for perpetrators to take responsibility for their crimes, but the process takes time and requires work on your part in order for justice to be served.

The decision whether or not to press charges is yours to make.

When you press charges for an offence you must go to the police station and recount the offence.

A detailed interview with you is one of the most important parts of the police investigation. The interview takes place at the police station.

You describe your experience of the offence.

The case has become a public criminal case that is now in the hands of the police.

Evidence is collected from various sources. 

The compensation claim will be sent to the State Claims Fund along with a request for the fund to collect payment from the perpetrator.

Your legal rights protector (ice. réttargæslumaður) files the claim on your behalf.

The district prosecutor decides whether to issue an indictment or have the case dismissed.

The case data is sent to the district prosecutor.

When the district prosecutor has issued an indictment against the perpetrator the case is pleaded before the district court. You are the district prosecutor’s principal witness in the case.

You recount your experience in the courtroom.

The case is brought before the district court

Now it is revealed whether the perpetrator is acquitted or must undergo punishment.

A judgement is delivered in the district court.

Most likely, two years have passed since the crime against you took place. 

Following a verdict, all sorts of feelings can come up.

This guide makes use of the term "victim," a legal term within the justice system for those who have experienced sexual abuse. However, some individuals may prefer to use the term "survivor" to refer to themselves. The preferred term in Icelandic is "þolandi."

Advice from survivors who have pursued a case in the justice system, professionals, and staff of the police department and the district prosecutor’s office.

What process kicks in when I decide to press charges against my perpetrator? 

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

a guide to the criminal justice system, enduring, perpetrating, sexual violence, the criminal justice system, the judiciary, the judiciary, the police, the police, the lawyer, the magistrate, the court officer, the hearing, the appeal, the appeal, the prosecution, the emergency department, justice, the in-depth interview, investigation, investigation, investigation, police station, evidence, evidence, criminal proceedings, applying for compensation, district attorney, case, court, court, court, court, courtroom, your side, judgment rendered, offence, case closed.

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

I have experienced sexual abuse. What should I do?

What happens when I press charges?

Going to the Emergency Room for Sexual Abuse

The right place if the offence occurred recently.

Should I press charges or not?

The decision whether or not to press charges is yours to make.

Reporting to the police

A police investigation begins.

Giving a statement to the police

You describe your experience of the offence.

The police investigates

Evidence is collected from various sources.

Filing a compensation claim

Your legal rights protector (ice. réttargæslumaður) files the claim on your behalf.

Indictment issued or case dismissed?

The case data is sent to the district prosecutor.

The case is brought before the district court

You recount your experience in the courtroom.

Case closed

A judgement is delivered in the district court.

After the judgment is delivered

Following a verdict, all sorts of feelings can come up.

See also:

Good advice