I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?
You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Barnavernd sveitarfélags / Barna- og fjölskyldustofa — 112 (112) is the child-protection service for Iceland: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Hjálparsími Rauða krossins 1717 / 112 (1717) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Lögreglan — kæra (444 1000).
🗣️ What to say
"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."
🪜 Step by step
- Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
- Call Barnavernd sveitarfélags / Barna- og fjölskyldustofa — 112For advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
- Danger now: Lögreglan — kæraPolice and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
- Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
- Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Will the child be taken away?
Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.
What if I am wrong?
Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.
The child told me something in confidence
You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.
📎 Sources
- Barnavernd sveitarfélags / Barna- og fjölskyldustofa — 112 →
- Hjálparsími Rauða krossins 1717 / 112 →
- Lögreglan — kæra →
- Félagsþjónusta sveitarfélags / Tryggingastofnun →
- Bjarkarhlíð — þjónustumiðstöð fyrir þolendur ofbeldis →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “report child abuse Iceland”
- “child protection helpline Iceland”
- “worried about a child who to call”
- “child neglect report anonymous”
- “child helpline number”
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