Linda is concerned about the number of children who have stayed in the shelter (founded in 1982) so far this year. Some of them have experienced violence and others have been subjected to violence themselves. Source: Vísir, Ívar Fannar
A record number of children have stayed in the Women’s Shelter so far this year. The executive director says violence is more serious and more frequent and it is difficult to watch the steady increase in cases of violence. At the same time, it is more difficult to escape such violence.
Yesterday, there was a discussion about a fifteen percent increase in the number of domestic violence cases with the police. Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir, executive director, says it is not unusual for there to be a fluctuation in the number of those staying with them, but in recent months there has been a steady increase.
The situation in the Women’s Shelter has been difficult. There has been a lot to do and most rooms are full, and there are a lot of children. So far this year, 67 children have stayed in the women’s shelter. Normally, this is about 100 children a year, so we are already well above this average.
The Proportion Of Children Who Used Violence Against Parents Or Relatives Doubled
Registered reports of domestic violence have increased by fifteen percent in the first months of the year. Many of them concern violence by children against their parents or violence by parents against their children. The police have been in a registration campaign but still believe the number is higher than that.
A Sad Development
Linda says it is always difficult to assess whether there is something in the social structure that has caused increased violence or whether response agencies are getting better at dealing with it.
Of course, this is just sad, and it is difficult to watch the numbers not seem to be going down and the severity of violence seems to be increasing. Although the system seems to be getting down to earth and there is a lot of input from various parties into this issue, this continues, and continues to increase, and it is a matter of concern. Approximately 140 million ($ 1,1 mln) was raised for the Women’s Shelter in the fundraising program Á allra võrum that was shown on RÚV last night. The executive director of the Women’s Shelter says she is in the clouds over the support and plans to move to a new shelter in the summer of 2026.
She says the women who seek them describe more serious violence.
“We see that violence in general is getting worse, it’s getting more serious. Women are talking more about death threats, strangulation, a lot of stalking, they’ve been monitored a lot. Just getting out of a violent relationship has become very complicated today because violence continues in a more serious form through social media and general stalking.”
All Classes And Nations
Linda says the group that seeks them out comes from all classes and social groups. There is an increase in the number of children but no other common thread in the group that has sought them out this year. It varies whether the children have been subjected to violence or have been used to it.
“We have been visible in recent months in fundraising and have made sure to always remind ourselves so it always has some effect, but my feeling is that the increase is so steady now that it is more than that.”
Linda encourages women who may be in a difficult situation right now to contact her. The phone is always open and you can always come in for an interview without coming in for a stay.
“Don’t hesitate to contact her. The phone is open 24 hours a day and it can be anonymous. You can get advice on whether they are in an abusive relationship and what can be done. The same applies to relatives. The first step is always to step out of isolation. The greatest violence is often in isolation, when they are completely isolated from their family and local community.”
Source: Vísir (in Icelandic)