Support in difficult circumstances
Assistance and resources for individuals and companies regarding those who experience violence in intimate relationships and wish to take steps toward changing their circumstances.
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Assistance and resources for individuals and companies regarding those who experience violence in intimate relationships and wish to take steps toward changing their circumstances.
Violence in intimate relationships is violence that an individual experiences at the hands of someone close to them, related or connected to them, such as a spouse, child, parent, father of your child, sibling, or guardian. Violence can occur regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, or anything else.
Digital abuse is any form of harassment, threats, humiliation, or control that occurs through digital media, such as a phone, computer, or social media. It's also if someone is monitoring what you do on your phone and what you do online.
Physical abuse is when a person is physically harmed or hurt by another person, for example by hitting, kicking, or pushing. Physical abuse is also when a person's basic needs are withheld.
Financial abuse is when finances are used to control a person. It can be by placing restrictions on what you can buy, restricting access to your own money, or defrauding you of money.
Mental abuse is when somebody threatens you, belittles you or makes you feel bad. It can be in the form of verbal exchange or body language. Since mental abuse does not leave visible scars, it is often difficult to identify.
Emergency assistance for domestic violence is a protection that falls under Varða's home insurance. The purpose of this new protection is to provide emergency assistance, in the form of financial compensation, for victims of domestic violence and to better enable them to change their circumstances. It is not necessary to file a complaint or a police report in order to apply for compensation — only a confirmation from a professional is required. All genders can apply for the protection.
It matters that companies can support their employees when it counts.
Victims of intimate partner violence may hesitate to change their circumstances, partly out of fear of being absent from work. With support leave, Vörður aims to make it easier for companies to respond responsibly and support their employees during challenging times.
The workplace is often one of the few places where a person experiencing domestic violence can find a moment of safety and distance from the abuser. Employers can therefore play a crucial role by supporting their staff and providing the flexibility they need to access essential services.
Colleagues can also be attentive to signs that may indicate someone is experiencing violence. In this way, the workplace can become an important environment where individuals receive the support they need to take their first steps toward greater safety.
Possible signs include:
Repeated injuries or explanations that seem unlikely
Increased absence, tardiness, or reduced concentration
Emotional distress, isolation, or sudden changes in behaviour or appearance
An unusual number of phone calls, messages, or unwanted visits from the abuser at the workplace
Indications that a partner is monitoring them or attempting unwanted contact
Bjarkarhlíð's website provides clear guidance on how to recognize these signs and how best to respond.
Vörður encourages all companies to have an action plan in place in case employees are affected by domestic violence. The Arion Group, for example, has implemented a dedicated action plan addressing domestic violence.
If your company is considering implementing such a plan, you are welcome to contact us at vordur@vordur.is. We are ready to share our experience and provide materials to support and simplify the process.