Victims of domestic violence with foreign backgrounds face barriers in seeking help in Iceland

Victims of domestic violence with foreign backgrounds often hesitate to approach law enforcement due to negative experiences or perceptions of police in their home countries. Jenný Kristín Valberg, team leader at Bjarkarhlíð, emphasizes the importance of reaching out to immigrants to educate them about patterns of violence and the role of police.

Many victims fear police intervention, which can stem not only from their home countries but also from neighboring nations. Jenný points out that in some cultures, contacting the authorities is not an option due to a lack of collaboration between child protective services and victims. This can lead to a fear of state intervention that prioritizes control over cooperation.

Furthermore, there is a necessity for accurate risk assessments in domestic violence cases. Violence is often not categorized as serious until it becomes life-threatening, which contributes to fewer foreign victims seeking help from Bjarkarhlíð than statistics suggest should be the case. Many immigrants may experience psychological, financial, or sexual violence but do not recognize it as severe until it escalates.

Jenný stresses that it is vital for victims to understand that they retain power and have the option to seek assistance without losing control. It’s essential to inform them about available resources and options for support.

Law enforcement and other professionals dealing with domestic violence need to find better ways to engage with immigrants facing such situations. Information must also be accessible to those who do not speak Icelandic or English. The community at large is urged to be vigilant when suspicions of violence arise.