Guidance

Norway: domestic violence

Published 13 February 2024

1. Domestic violence or abuse

If you and/or your child are victims of violence from a partner, family member or others, you can get help.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.

2. Report domestic abuse

Domestic abuse or violence is a crime and should be reported to the police - there are also other organisations who can offer you help and support.

If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

3. Getting help and support for domestic violence

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone.

4. Domestic violence in Norway

Using violence against another person is prohibited by law in Norway. By violence is meant physical violence such as punching and kicking, but also psychological violence such as threats and abusive behaviour.

Research has shown that children can be severely damaged as a result of being beaten. It is therefore forbidden to hit children as part of their upbringing. Research also shows that it is damaging for children to witness their mother, father, siblings or other members of the family being subjected to violence. Children who live with violence can experience constant insecurity and fear, and develop feelings of guilt about what is happening in the family. Many of them suffer from concentration and learning difficulties. Such children will often learn that conflicts are resolved by violence and will themselves resort to violence to solve problems.

If you experience or witness violence in your family, you should report it as soon as possible. You can report it to the police, the child welfare service, the family counselling service and women’s shelters, among others.

5. Information on Norwegian crisis centres

The crisis centres offers protection, advice, support and guidance if you are the victim of abuse or violence in a close relationship. If you are at risk of becoming the victim of violence or have already suffered such treatment, you and your children can find temporary shelter at a crisis centre.

The local authority has a statutory obligation to ensure that victims of violence, both women, men and children, are provided with adequate and appropriate shelter/refuge and day-time services (advice, support, guidance). The help should be coordinated with other relevant services for the victim.

5.1 Can I get help?

There are 45 crisis centres/shelters distributed throughout Norway (at least one in every county). The majority are open 24-hours a day. The centres are open for everyone who needs them.

No referral from a doctor is needed to seek help from a crisis centre.

5.2 Can I be anonymous?

Although those staying at a crisis centre/shelter are entitled to anonymity with respect to both each other and members of staff, the centre’s general manager must know the identity of all residents.

5.3 What kind of help can I get?

During your stay at the crisis centre/shelter you will be given help to contact various support agencies. You can also receive help to start afresh, and receive help/advice after the stay. Some of the centres also offer counselling or self-help groups.

Children have rights of their own, and their individual needs must be taken care of. Some centres have employees who offer help and organise activities for children. However, you are expected to look after your own children while you are staying at the centre/shelter.

Consular officers at the British Embassy in Oslo can offer assistance and support to you, please contact us for further guidance on local assistance and help in Norway on +47 23 13 27 00 or email Oslo.consular@fco.gov.uk.

6. Support in Norway

In emergencies, acute or life-threatening situations, call the Norwegian police on 112. For an ambulance or a medical emergency call 113. Alternatively call +47 02800 to speak to your local police who can also provide advice and guidance.

• Norwegian National Domestic Violence Helpline: This is a national and free service open 24 hours to anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse. Phone number: (+47) 116 006.
• Norwegian domestic violence shelter: Can provide a safe place of residence, advice, guidance, legal aid, and referrals to other services where necessary. You can receive help from the shelter even if you don’t live there.
• Emergency line for children and young people (in Norwegian): Children who are victims of violence or live with violence at home can call (+47) 116 111 or send an email to get help. Alternatively contact the Norwegian child welfare services in your municipality.
• A local doctor or GP, an assault centre, or a child health clinic can provide medical assistance, advice, guidance, and make referrals if necessary. Doctors and assault centres can also secure forensic evidence.
• Crisis centres (in Norwegian): Find out more about where to find your local crisis centre (in Norwegian).
• Norwegian family welfare service: This service provides help and advice to couples and families who are experiencing difficulties, conflicts or crises, and work with anger and violence issues.
• The national helpline for elderly victims of violence can be reached at (+47) 80 03 01 96.
• Support for male victims of violence and abuse, +47 22 34 09 60, Monday to Friday, 5pm – 8pm in the evening (except the majority of public holidays).
• Reform – resource centre for men on +47 22 34 09 50.
• Nationwide helpline for victims of incest and sexual abuse and their relatives, +47 800 57 000.
• DINUTVEI is the national help portal for assistance in the event of violence or abuse.

7. Support in the UK

If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, always call 999.

• If you are worried that someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, you can call Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day on +44 808 2000 247.
• Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can get confidential help, treatment and support at a sexual assault referral centre. Read more about getting help after rape and sexual assault or find your nearest sexual assault referral centre.
• The NHS has guidance and advice on support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
• Visit the Women’s Aid or Refuge websites for resources for women.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: +44 808 200 0247 (freephone).
• Men’s Advice Line: +44 808 801 0327.
• Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people): +44 800 999 5428.
• Live Fear Free helpline (Wales): +44 808 80 10 800.
• Rape Crisis (England and Wales): +44 808 802 9999.
• Respect helpline: +44 808 802 4040.
• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: +44 800 027 1234.
• Scottish Women’s Aid: +44 131 226 6606.
• Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland): +44 800 917 1414