Not safe in your own home?

There are unfortunately many women, men and children who experience violence and assault in their own homes. In Norway we call this ‘violence in close relationships’. This means that there is someone who is close to you, for example a spouse, parent, sibling or own child who exposes you to violence/assault.

There are many types of violence/assault:

• Physical (hit, kick, pulling by the hair, holding down)
• Psychological (saying unpleasant words, calling unpleasant names, control, isolation, threats)
• Sexual (rape, force to have sex)
• Material (throw things, break things, damage something which means a great deal to you)
• Financial (take your money, not give you your own money, force you to sign financial documents which you do not understand)
• Forced marriage (threaten/force someone to marry against their will)
• Genital mutilation (female genital circumcision)
• Human trafficking (trading in women, men and children)

Do you need someone to talk to?

Contact a crisis centre near you. In Norway, all women, men and children have the right to receive help from a crisis centre when they are threatened or exposed to violence.

New in Norway?

We who work at crisis centres meet many people from other countries and other cultures. We always use an interpreter when there is a need for this. Our employees are professionally trained and have special skills in helping those who are exposed to violence. They will inform you of your rights, obligations and options in Norway.

We are sworn to professional secrecy! Your story is safe with us. We will not divulge anything you tell us unless we have together agreed to this and as a part of moving forwards and helping you to get the help you need.

We are however obliged to report to child welfare services if we become aware of children with unacceptable home situations. So, that the children and families get the help they need to make a good life.

We can help you with the following:

We can provide you and your children with a safe place to live for a period of time or you can chose to live at home and only come to the crisis centre to talk about your situation. You will, at the crisis centre, meet a professional person who will listen to what you say. We can help you contact a doctor, lawyer, the Police, NAV, child care services or other agencies. We will support you and go with you to meetings if you would like this and the safety situation makes this possible. We can continue to remain in contact after you move out of the crisis centre, if you have a need for this.

Our role is to provide you with the information, support and guidance you need to help you on your way to a new and better life without violence.

Gudbrandsdal Crisis centre

Information about Gudbrandsdal Crisis Centre in 25 different languages (PDF, 3 MB)