This web page is part of the Guide to the Icelandic justice system for 15-17 year olds who have experienced sexual abuse.
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Pressing criminal charges with the police is the only way to make the perpetrator take responsibility for what they did.
This web page is part of the Guide to the Icelandic justice system for 15-17 year olds who have experienced sexual abuse.
Fact: The person who abused you is not notified right away when the offence is reported to police.
It can seem scary to press charges against a perpetrator.
These are all understandable thoughts. But it doesn’t matter who committed an offence against you, it was not your fault and you don’t have to be embarrassed about anything. No one is allowed to commit an offence against you.
Speak to an adult you trust. They can help you by calling 112 to get help and guidance. You can also get advice from children's services (barnavernd).
Sexual abuse is when someone makes you do something sexual that you don’t want to do, touches you, or harasses you in a sexual way.
It can be a risk taking and sending a sexual picture of yourself or others but it is okay if everyone involved wants to. When it is done through pressuring someone or without permission it is illegal.
When you press charges for an offence, the justice system takes on the case. The role of the justice system, police, and courts of law is to gather data, evaluate them, and judge on the basis of that data in an impartial manner.
It could take more than two years before a judgement is pronounced. Your case might also be dismissed.
Sexual abuse is traumatic for you and your family. You need help in order to tackle it. Child protection services organises treatment with psychologists who help young people like you to work through trauma. When you are 18 you can go to survivor support centres like Stígamót.
Fact: There are lots of people at the police who work on cases just like yours every single day.
You are a child according to the law and because of that, you can’t press charges. It is your parents or guardians who press charges on your behalf. Often it is child protection services (barnavernd) that press charges.
My parents don’t want to press charges? Then child protection services press charges on your behalf
The perpetrator is my parent? If the person who abused you is one of your parents or guardians and your other parent does not support you, child protection services are responsible for ensuring your safety. You can live in another home temporarily, for example.
My parents try to influence what I say? Then child protection services probably need to provide you with another place to live for a while.
You talk to the police. You can contact them directly, or through 112, by phone or webchat. You can also ask someone to contact them for you.
It is normal to be afraid in this situation. But young people do not go through this process alone, you get all kinds of support.
If you don’t want the offence to be charged you should still talk to someone about it. There are lots of people who are ready to listen and help and lots of free support is available.