Protection from Domestic Violence in Iceland (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Iceland provides strong protection against domestic violence:
Restraining orders (Lög nr. 85/2011):
- The police can impose a 72-hour restraining order to prevent an abuser from approaching a victim.
- The courts can extend a restraining order for up to 1 year.
- The police can physically remove a perpetrator from the home for up to 4 weeks at a time.
- The police must decide on a request for a restraining order or removal within 3 days.
Who can request protection: The victim, family members, a child's guardian, social or child-protection services, or the police commissioner on their own initiative.
Penalties: Breach of a restraining order: a fine or imprisonment of up to 1 year. Domestic violence under the Penal Code: penalties up to 16 years' imprisonment depending on severity.
When does it apply?
- You are a victim of domestic violence — physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse by a partner, family member or close associate.
- A child in your care is being abused.
What to do if you experience domestic violence in Iceland
- Call the police (112) — they can impose an immediate restraining order.
- Contact Kvennaathvarfið (the Women's Shelter) on (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter and support.
- The District Commissioner can extend protective orders through the courts.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent — reporting is the first step towards protection. You will not be punished for reporting.
- Don't confront the perpetrator face to face — use the legal protection available from the police and the courts.
About Family Law in Iceland
Marriage and divorce in Iceland fall under Hjúskaparlög (the Marriage Act, Lög nr. 31/1993) — minimum age 18, gender-neutral since 2010. A divorce can be granted immediately by mutual consent or after 6 months of separation, through the Sýslumaður (District Commissioner). Custody, paternity and maintenance follow Barnalög (the Children's Act, Lög nr. 76/2003) — joint custody is the default and the benchmark is the best interests of the child. Domestic violence is dealt with in Almenn hegningarlög (the General Penal Code, Lög nr. 19/1940) and Lög um nálgunarbann (the Restraining Orders Act, Lög nr. 85/2011). Inheritance follows Lög nr. 8/1962 with a forced-heirship share.
Common Questions
How quickly can I get a restraining order in Iceland?
Very quickly. Under the Restraining Orders Act (Lög nr. 85/2011), the police can impose a 72-hour restraining order to prevent an abuser from approaching a victim. The police must decide on a request for a restraining order or removal within 3 days. The courts can then extend a restraining order for up to 1 year.
Can a perpetrator be removed from the home in Iceland?
Yes. Under the Restraining Orders Act, the police can physically remove perpetrators from the home for up to 4 weeks at a time. Protection can be requested by the victim, family members, a child's guardian, social or child-protection services, or the police commissioner on their own initiative.
What are the penalties for domestic violence in Iceland?
Breach of a restraining order carries a fine or imprisonment of up to 1 year. Domestic violence under the General Penal Code (Lög nr. 19/1940, amended 2016) carries penalties of up to 16 years' imprisonment depending on severity. Call 112 for an immediate police response, or contact Kvennaathvarfið (the Women's Shelter) on (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter.
What is the protection from domestic violence right in Iceland?
Iceland provides strong protection against domestic violence:Restraining orders (Lög nr. 85/2011):The police can impose a 72-hour restraining order to prevent an abuser from approaching a victim.The courts can extend a restraining order for up to 1 year.The police can physically remove a perpetrator from the home for up to 4 weeks at a time.The police must decide on a request for a restraining order or removal within 3 days.Who can request protection: The victim, family members, a child's guardian, social or child-protection services, or the police commissioner on their own...
When does it apply — protection from domestic violence?
You are a victim of domestic violence — physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse by a partner, family member or close associate.A child in your care is being abused.
What should I do if I experience domestic or family violence in Iceland?
Call the police (112) — they can impose an immediate restraining order.Contact Kvennaathvarfið (the Women's Shelter) on (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter and support.The District Commissioner can extend protective orders through the courts.
What should you NOT do — protection from domestic violence?
Don't stay silent — reporting is the first step towards protection. You will not be punished for reporting.Don't confront the perpetrator face to face — use the legal protection available from the police and the courts.