Only 11% of sexual assault victims report crimes in Iceland, advocates urge justice reform

Only 11% of sexual assault victims have reported the crime to the police. A spokesperson from Stígamót, an advocacy group for victims of sexual violence, stated that authorities need to develop more avenues for addressing sexual offenses. The justice system must believe the victims to ensure that perpetrators face consequences for their actions.

Despite a decrease in reported sexual offenses against children this year, the issue remains a significant concern that should be prioritized in the political agenda. There were 279 reports of sexual assault in the first half of the year, with 54 against minors. This marks a notable decline compared to last year’s total of 100 reports. Drífa Snædal from Stígamót describes this as a positive trend, attributing it to prevention efforts in schools and increased community awareness.

However, she emphasized that sexual offenses, particularly those involving children, continue to pose a serious problem, as reflected in recent youth studies in Iceland. The prevailing attitude within the justice system has made many victims opt out of reporting to the police. Only 11% of those who sought help from Stígamót chose to file a complaint.

Drífa advocates for a justice system that believes victims and enforces consequences for offenders, suggesting that alternatives to traditional judicial penalties should be explored, especially for young offenders. Supporting victims is essential for eradicating gender-based violence and addressing these critical issues effectively.