For teenagers

Violence and abuse come in many forms

Some people think that abuse is only physical or sexual or mental but this is not the case. The abuse can also be digital or financial. It can often be difficult to figure out what is healthy or unhealthy in a relationship and when it is abuse.

If someone does one or more of this to you, it is probably abuse:

• Threatens you.
• Hurts you by kicking, beating or pushing.
• Lose control of their temper.
• Humiliates you.
• Accuses you of something you haven’t done.
• Isolates you from family or friends.
• Shows insane jealousy.
• ‍Goes through your phone or email without permission.
• Tells you what you must do or how you must behave.
• Pressures you or forces you to have sex.
• Sends you an unwanted nude photo or pressures you to provide a nude photo.
• Shops with your card without permission.

These are just a few examples. We encourage you to have a closer look on this page to familiarise yourself better with how abuse is manifested.

Get help

If you feel bad or you are worried, whether it is because of yourself or someone you know, it is best to talk to someone you trust. It can be for example someone in the family, a trainer, teacher, study counsellor or school psychologist. Those who are abusive can also get help.

You can always talk to someone through the help-line and web chat 1717. It is open 24 hours and you can talk in confidence about anything. No problem is too small or too big.

Bergið (The Rock) headspace is a support- and counselling centre which assists young people and is completely free of charge. You can make an appointment there with a counsellor who will review the problem, provide support and counselling.

Many health care centres have a special reception for young people at the age of 13-20 years. You can go there to talk about your health and how you feel.

You can call 112 or 1717 at any hour to get help.

Youngster violence

Recently pages and closed groups have popped upon social media showing videos of youngsters in rough fights while others stand idly by or cheer them on. Physical assaults like these can have very serious consequences, both for the person suffering the attack and for the attacker.

If you see a fight breaking out it's best to walk away and let the police know by contacting 112. It could save a life. If you know of a fight video posted online you should report it to the police (form in Icelandic).

Inappropriate material of children and teenagers

If you see or know about any inappropriate material regarding children and teenagers on the internet, you can use Save The Children's tipline who will forward it to the police (form in Icelandic).

Assistance due to sexual abuse

If you are subjected to rape, rape attempt or other sexual violence, you can go to Neyðarmóttaka (Crisis Centre) for sexual abuse at Landspitali – the National University Hospital of Iceland in Fossvogur or in Akureyri. Nurses, psychologists and doctors are there, who can help mentally and physically.