Day 112: Children more aware and open about violence

Children's safety and welfare at the forefront of 112 Day

112 Day is today, 11 February. The focus this time is particularly on child protection, and the safety and welfare of children and young people. The topic is discussed from the perspective of children and young people, 112, public authorities, emergency responders and those who provide assistance in relation to child protection. On the Neyðarlínan website www.112.is is to find a lot of education, both intended for children and adults. Parents and other guardians are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the content and talk to their children about the importance of knowing the emergency number 112. At the same time, the focus is on raising awareness of domestic violence. 

The town newspaper Hafnfirðingur Discussed these sensitive but important matters with Helena Unnarsdóttir, Head of Department. Child protection at the City of Hafnarfjörður.

Early support based on The Bridge

In news reports during the Covid era, it has emerged that referrals to child protection services have increased overall, both due to domestic violence and violence against children. In 2020, referrals to Hafnarfjörður's child protection services increased only slightly, and Helena believes that this is due to a change in procedures with the introduction of The Bridge's ...a crucial change, but also an increased awareness. It is also the practice of Brúin that many child protection cases are closed immediately after an investigation, as early support can be offered based on the Brúin model. Through the Bridge, support for children of preschool and primary school age and their families has been strengthened, and increased services have been provided at an earlier stage. This initiates a specific process if there are changes in a child's well-being or behaviour, carried out in direct collaboration between parents, teachers and other professionals.

Child protection worker at a puppet show

Annually, performances are held in all Year 2 classes in primary schools, where the puppet theatre „The Kids in the Neighbourhood“, in collaboration with the Child Protection Authority, presents a play and educational programme about sexual, physical and emotional abuse, tailored to the children's developmental level.„There's a realisation happening with the children there, so they better understand that violence is not acceptable and that it should be reported. We also find that children are more aware and open than before about violence and their well-being. A child protection officer is present at every performance, and the children can talk to them or to their teacher. That way, we always maintain a link with the performances and are in dialogue with the Child Protection Agency.“ says Helena.

Notification links on the Hafnarfjörður website

Children are also directed to the Hafnarfjörður municipality website, where, for example, they can click on the link „I am a child and I'm worried“ and thus make a report, providing their date of birth, telephone number and which year group they are in. „There you can also write a short text about what the concerns are about. Also if they are aware of violence elsewhere than in their own home. Of course, adults can also submit a report there, where anonymity can be requested and forms are available in both Polish and English. We can certainly be inquisitive about children and their well-being,“ says Helena. A referral to child protection is not a complaint but rather a request for assistance for the child or family in question, who the referrer believes may be in need of help. Helena says that it is being considered whether an emergency button will be installed on the home screens of tablets for pupils in the 5th to 10th grades of primary schools, as has been done in the neighbouring municipality of Kópavogur.

Emergency Warden and Home Guard

Most Icelanders know the emergency number 112, but Helena says that fewer people know that it is possible to contact an emergency dispatcher on the website 112.is.„Some people may find it difficult to make a phone call, whether it's a big step or the circumstances are difficult, and in that case, you can use online chat. There is also a service called Heimilisfriður. It is a treatment and information centre for violence in intimate relationships. They offer, among other things, individual counselling and group therapies.“

There is also a dedicated domestic violence team at Hafnarfjörður Municipality, which offers resources and assistance to victims and perpetrators. „Sometimes victims and/or perpetrators need to realise that abuse is taking place, and that can take time. Unfortunately, over time, violence has been prevalent in many families in some form, but there has been a greater awakening of awareness, both among children and adults, and access to reporting is better and the whole process has become more convenient. People often don't realise they are being abusive. It can even be passed down through the generations. Emotional abuse is very subtle and usually heals slowly and poorly, and then only with the help of specialists. It is important to maintain as many avenues for reporting as possible and to give the children the benefit of the doubt so that appropriate assistance can be provided as soon as possible if the need arises.“

An interview with Helena was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 11 February 2021.