Domestic Violence Protection in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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 protections against domestic violence:
Restraining Orders (Act No. 85/2011):
- Police can impose a 72-hour restraining order to prevent the abuser from approaching the victim.
- Courts can extend restraining orders for up to 1 year.
- Police can physically remove perpetrators from the home for up to 4 weeks at a time.
- Police must make a decision on restraining order/expulsion requests within 3 days.
Who can request protection: The victim, family members, a child's guardian, social or child protection services, or the head of police on their own initiative.
Criminal penalties: Violating a restraining order: fines or imprisonment up to 1 year. Domestic violence under the Penal Code: fines to up to 16 years' imprisonment depending on severity.
When does it apply?
- You are a victim of domestic violence — physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse by a partner, family member, or close contact.
- A child in your care is being abused.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence in Iceland
- Call the police (112) — they can impose an immediate restraining order.
- Contact the Women's Shelter (Kvennaathvarfið) at (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter and support.
- The District Commissioner can extend protection orders through the courts.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent — reporting is the first step to protection. You will not be punished for reporting.
- Don't confront the abuser — use the legal protections available through police and courts.
Common Questions
How quickly can I get a restraining order in Iceland?
Very quickly. Under the Restraining Order Act (Lög nr. 85/2011), police can impose a 72-hour restraining order to prevent the abuser from approaching the victim. Police must make a decision on restraining order or expulsion requests within 3 days. Courts can then extend restraining orders for up to 1 year.
Can an abuser be removed from the home in Iceland?
Yes. Under the Restraining Order Act, 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 head of police acting on their own initiative.
What are the penalties for domestic violence in Iceland?
Violating a restraining order carries fines or imprisonment of up to 1 year. Domestic violence under the General Penal Code (Lög nr. 19/1940, as amended 2016) carries fines up to 16 years' imprisonment depending on severity. Call 112 for immediate police response, or contact the Women's Shelter (Kvennaathvarfið) at (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter.
When does it apply — domestic violence protection?
You are a victim of domestic violence — physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse by a partner, family member, or close contact.A child in your care is being abused.
What should I do if I am experiencing domestic violence or abuse at home in Iceland?
Call the police (112) — they can impose an immediate restraining order.Contact the Women's Shelter (Kvennaathvarfið) at (+354) 561 1205 for emergency shelter and support.The District Commissioner can extend protection orders through the courts.
What should you NOT do — domestic violence protection?
Don't stay silent — reporting is the first step to protection. You will not be punished for reporting.Don't confront the abuser — use the legal protections available through police and courts.