Only 11% of sexual assault survivors report incidents to police in Iceland

Only 11% of sexual assault survivors have reported the incidents to the police, according to a spokesperson from Stígamót, an organization supporting victims. The spokesperson emphasized the need for authorities to develop more effective responses to sexual offenses, underscoring that the justice system must believe victims to ensure perpetrators face consequences.

Drífa Snædal pointed out that while reports of sexual assault against children have decreased compared to previous years, such violence remains a significant issue that requires urgent political attention. Statistics show that 279 reports of sexual offenses were made in the first six months of the year, including 54 against minors under 18, which is a considerable decrease from the previous year.

Despite the decline in reported cases, Drífa indicated that sexual violence, particularly in relation to children, continues to be a major problem, as highlighted by recent youth research in Iceland. She stressed that a substantial majority of survivors choose not to engage with the legal system due to feelings of disbelief and perceived obstacles to justice. Only 11% of those who sought help from Stígamót decided to report their cases to the police.

Drífa called for systemic belief in victims and highlighted the necessity to ensure that offenders face real consequences. She argued for the development of new methods to address sexual violence, especially incidents involving young people. Supporting victims and creating pathways for accountability are crucial steps in combating gender-based violence.