Helplines in Iceland.

Are you experiencing sexual abuse, assault or harassment? Contact a free hotline in Iceland for confidential support

Sexual abuse is a form sexual violence where a person uses power or coercion to force you into unwanted sexual activity. You can be a victim of sexual abuse if you are a woman, man or child. Other forms of sexual violence are sexual assault, such as rape, and sexual harassment, which is sexual behaviour toward you that is unwelcome or offensive.

If you’re struggling with sexual abuse, assault or harassment, there are 2 hotlines in Iceland you can contact. Everyone’s experience is unique, as well as the path towards recovery. However, hotline volunteers could help you for free if you are experiencing or have experienced:

Examples of sexual violence:

• An organ or an object being put into your vagina (rape), or anus or mouth (sodomy), without your consent
• Rape by more than one person (gang rape) or rape by the same person over a period of time (serial rape)
• Being coerced, threatened or forced to perform any sort of sexual activity
• Repeated unwanted sexual attention or advances, including in your workplace or by your employer
• Sexual abuse or assault from someone in your family (incest)
• Being kissed or touched without your consent or being made, by coercion or force, to touch or kiss someone
• Sexual photos or videos being posted online without your consent
• Being filmed or photographed nude or in a sexually explicit way without your permission

Effects of sexual violence:

• A decline in your physical and mental health
• Losing trust in people in general
• Feeling unsafe and scared that it would happen again
• Minimizing the abuse as not being as severe as someone else’s
• Feeling edgy and fearful, especially around people who resemble the abuser in any way
• An urge to use alcohol, drugs, or gamble excessively
• Feeling as if everyone could see what happened to you
• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the sexual abuse

If you have experienced sexual violence, your emotions and thoughts are likely to change all the time in an attempt to make sense of what happened to you. It can be confusing trying to figure it out all on your own.

Surviving and recovering from sexual violence can be a very lonely process. Especially if you struggle with all the different thoughts and emotions that you’re having a hard time controlling. This is why reaching out to helpline staff in Iceland could help you feel less isolated.

For free and confidential support with sexual assault, abuse and harassment, consider contacting a hotline in Iceland today.