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.
This page is a part of a guide to the Icelandic justice system for survivors of domestic violence.
Your health is what matters most, and the effects of trauma can take many forms.
It’s a good idea to get help as soon as possible — for example at a victims support center — to understand how the trauma may be affecting you and to get the support you need.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re still in contact with the perpetrator or not. It is never too late to seek help.
Violence in close relationships often follows a pattern called the cycle of abuse.
This pattern is one reason people stay in abusive relationships and aren’t always ready to report the abuse.
Promises of change and regret from the perpetrator often create hope in the survivor that things will improve. This cycle of extremes can be deeply confusing and emotionally exhausting.
Other factors can also make it difficult to leave an unhealthy relationship — for example, when the relationship involves coercive control.
See also: 9 reasons why people don’t leave abusive relationships.
Some survivors stay in abusive relationships thinking it might be better for the child. But remember: a child who witnesses domestic violence can suffer just as much harm as if they had experienced the violence themselves. It’s essential that children also get the support and care they need.
It is not your responsibility to stop the person who is abusing you — only they can do that.
However, there are steps you can take to increase your own safety and the safety of your children (if you have children), whether or not you involve the police.
Violence often escalates around the time a relationship ends or when contact with the perpetrator is cut off. That’s when it’s especially important to look after your mental and physical safety.
The Women’s Shelter offers emergency housing for women and their children who need to flee their homes due to violence. There are locations in Reykjavík and Akureyri, and staying there is free of charge. You can also get support from them 24/7 by calling 561 1205.
Support centers provide trauma-informed counseling, emotional support, and information about the recovery process and the justice system. You can talk to the police, a lawyer, and other support organizations on-site. This is available to all survivors of violence, regardless of gender, and are free of charge.
You can get help with domestic violence at emergency rooms, hospitals, and health clinics across the country — whether the violence happened recently or some time ago.
Nurses are available around the clock by calling 1700.
At the National University Hospital, there’s a specialized team with expertise in the nature and effects of domestic violence. The team includes psychologists and social workers who offer support, education, and counseling to help you process the trauma.
They will meet with you privately and help assess what kind of support you need and want.
All support can be provided in person, online, or over the phone. Interpretation services are available if needed.
This service is available at healthcare institutions throughout the country, is free of charge, and open to all survivors, regardless of residence, financial situation, or gender. You always have the right to get support — whether or not you plan to press charges, whether you’re struggling with addiction, or experiencing homelessness.
A doctor and nurse will examine you together and assess whether there’s a need to document injuries with photographs or perform other tests.
If your case goes to court, medical documentation of injuries can help support your case.
Nurse:
Doctor:
All healthcare staff are bound by confidentiality. Your visit and treatment are kept private. Information is recorded in your medical file, and no one outside of the healthcare system can access it without your permission.
If your life or a child’s life is believed to be at risk — for example, in cases of strangulation or if you’re pregnant — staff are legally required to notify the police.
You can always request a log of who has viewed your medical file.
Write down everything you remember about the violence in your phone or in a journal. People who experience serious trauma don’t always remember everything right away, but details may come back gradually over time.
Those who engage in domestic violence can seek help from Heimilisfriður. The individual sessions cost 3000 ISK. If there is a desire to continue the relationship, couples’ counseling and therapy are also available after individual therapy concludes. Remote sessions are offered if necessary.
Those who have committed sexual violence or are concerned about their sexual behavior can get assistance from Taktu Skrefið.
