Studies on violence
Studies on violence,
incidence – responses – effects
NORVOLD* Symposium
Minister's Opening Speech
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, I would like to thank you for inviting me to this symposium and giving me the chance in to speak to you in English, which I understand is today's is the working language. The organizers have shown real initiative in bringing together the experts who will be presenting papers here, and it gives me real pleasure to take part in the proceedings. It is especially gratifying to see experts from the other Nordic countries here, and I am sure that Nordic co-operation on this important subject will give results, just as it does in other fields.
Violence has been a growing problem in Iceland, as in the other Nordic countries, and it receives more and more attention. This is unfortunately true even in societies like ours, which regard themselves as being among the most civilized and developed in the world. Police figures show an increase in the number of physical assaults reported in recent years in Iceland. The government has an important responsibility to face in this area, but it is not only a matter for the authorities. Obviously, we must all join together in aiming for success in this matter and turning back the tide.
As Minister of Justice, I have tried in various ways to tackle the problem of violence. The unfortunate truth is that most of the victims of violence are women. This is true not only in the small proportion of cases that are reported and dealt with by the courts, but also in many other incidents that never come to the surface. In sexual assaults against women, serious physical injuries such as bone fractures are rare. Bruising and other minor injuries are more common. Recently, however, more attention has been given to the psychological effects of violence, as psychological damage is often more common and more serious than physical injury. The human qualities shown by those who comfort and help the victims of sexual abuse are particularly important.
For a long time, sexual abuse and sexual violence were taboo in our society, and in some ways they still are. It is not so very long since the Women's Refuge (Kvennaathvarf) and the Emergency Reception Unit for Rape Victims (Neyðarmóttakan) were opened and it was generally admitted that incest and domestic violence were common problems. Rape appears again and again as a common feature in all these problems. If nothing is done to help the victims of sexual abuse, the psychological effects of their experience can have all sorts of dangerous consequences. These can include, for example, suicide attempts and other risk-related behaviour, or persistent physical symptoms later in life that are difficult to diagnose or tackle with ordinary medical treatment. For all these reasons, I am very pleased to see so many experts here today who can make contributions based on their wide experience of these problems. The work you do is very important for our society.
I have enjoyed a close co-operation with the Emergency Reception Unit for Rape Victims (Neyðarmóttakan) and I know that the services it provides are of great value to the victims. It is largely thanks to the work of the Unit that people have come to admit how serious the problem is and how important it is to respond quickly and effectively in providing support. There has also been close co-operation between the police and the Emergency Reception Unit, and the police have given priority to cases of sexual violence. This is an area in which the assessment of evidence can be a very tricky matter, and, not surprisingly, people often have strong and divided opinions on this point. It is often difficult to arrive at an objective view, and therefore it is particularly important that the highest standards should be observed at every stage of the cases.
The police have made this one of their priorities, and special emphasis is put on the investigation of sexual offences in the training they receive in the Police Training College. The police make every effort to ensure accuracy and efficiency in investigating these cases. I should also mention that the sentences passed today by the courts in cases of sexual offences are generally heavier than they were 10 or 15 years ago.
As a Minister of Justice I have taken important steps to protect the victims of violence. Important changes have been made to the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the protection available under the law and improve the position of the victims of violence, and these have been of particular benefit to women and children. Here I should particularly mention legislation that guarantees that the victims of violence have the right to receive compensation from the State Treasury. Also, amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure now guarantee that the victims of violence receive the assistance of a lawyer during the investigation and prosecution of their cases against the offenders. Also, I should mention that a provision was introduced into the General Penal Code last year to give witnesses in criminal cases special protection against threats and intimidation. This is important in helping the victims of violence to overcome their fear of bringing charges against the perpetrators, and is also a clear message that threats against potential witnesses in criminal cases will be treated seriously.
In 1997 the Minister of Justice appointed three committees to examine domestic violence and make proposals on how it should be handled. Two of these committees examined particular means of improvement, one concentrating on police investigations and the other on the judicial system. They submitted their proposals in the spring of 1998 and work has been done since on putting them into effect.
Just over 18 months ago, the Althing passed a law which I proposed on Access Restraint Orders. I have no doubt that this was a very important step for the victims of violence, particularly for women, and that it will prove valuable in reducing domestic violence. By imposing access restraint orders it is possible to prevent some types of domestic violence and respond to situations in which it has arisen. These orders are also intended to protect the victims of violence from exposure to further assault.
I recently proposed a bill to amend the General Penal Code so as to give children better protection against sexual offences. Sexual offences, particularly those involving children, have been under special examination by the Ministry of Justice recently, and this bill was the fruit of this work. Under the provisions of the bill, it will be a criminal offence to buy sexual services from children under 18 years, and heavier penalties will be imposed for importing or possessing materials containing child pornography. These amendments are only a small part of a more general review in this area, but in terms of their importance I have taken the view that they should be introduced without further delay. The Ministry of Justice is planning the further revision of the Chapter of the General Penal Code regarding sexual offences against children and young persons. A committee that I appointed last spring is currently working on proposals on how to respond to the findings of a report on prostitution and its social implications. Amongst other things, the committee has been instructed to consider whether children and young persons can be given better legal protection against sexual abuse. We will consider proposing more legal amendments after the committee has submitted its proposals, and I hope it will be possible to do this during the present session of parliament.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What you are discussing here is a serious matter that unfortunately concerns us all. Violence is a serious problem in our society, and one that is difficult to deal with. Cases have to be dealt with using tact and sensitivity, but at the same time we must be vigilant and be prepared to take all necessary measures. I want to emphasise that the government regards it as a priority to do its best in this area and achieve the best possible results, and even though I am pleased with what has been done over the past decade, it is vital that we should continue our work and do more to provide support and protection for the victims of violence. One way of tackling sexual violence, like other forms of violence, is to discuss it openly and seek solutions. Frank discussion of all types is vital, and this symposium is an important contribution to the process. I wish you every success.