Victim's Advocate 

Physical abuse is the use of violence or other physical force against another person, without necessarily causing serious physical harm. It can range from punches and kicks to actions that are perceived as physically offensive, such as spitting, pushing or intentionally throwing objects at someone.

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Such acts are punishable under Norwegian law and are regulated by the Criminal Code. How serious the offense is considered to be depends, among other things, on how the offense was committed, what damage was caused, and what circumstances were involved.

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What is considered physical abuse?

In the legal sense, bodily harm is an intentional physical act directed at another person, where the purpose is to cause discomfort, harm or offense. It is not a requirement that the victim suffer permanent physical injuries - it is sufficient that the act has been physically offensive or offensive.

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Examples of physical abuse can be:

• Hitting, pushing or kicking
• To spit on someone
• Scratching, tugging, or tearing at clothing
• Throwing objects with the intent to hit
• To exercise physical force against someone in an emotional state

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Punishment for bodily harm

The penalty for bodily harm varies depending on the severity and circumstances. Typically, bodily harm is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 1 year. When determining the penalty, the court considers several factors, including:

• Whether the action was unprovoked
• Whether it happened on impulse or planned
• If it affected a vulnerable person
• If it was repeated

Minor bodily harm, for example in the context of an argument, may result in a suspended sentence or fine, especially if there are no previous offenses. In more serious cases, or if the act has occurred before, unconditional imprisonment may be applicable.

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When does it constitute gross bodily harm?

In some cases, bodily harm is considered to be serious. This happens when the act has elements that make it particularly serious. Circumstances that can lead to the act being classified as serious bodily harm:

• That the victim was defenseless (e.g. asleep or drunk)
• That dangerous objects were used (knife, glass, iron bar)
• That there were multiple perpetrators
• That the act was unprovoked and violent
• That the violence was motivated by hatred (racism, homophobia, etc.)
• That the violence was repetitive or systematic

In the case of aggravated assault, the penalty is increased to imprisonment for up to 6 years. Such cases are taken very seriously in Norwegian law, and higher requirements are placed on both evidence and assessment of seriousness.

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Bodily injury or bodily harm?

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between bodily harm and bodily injury. Both involve violence, but the difference lies primarily in the extent of the injury.

• Bodily injury : Minor violence or physical force without serious injury.
• Bodily injury : Violence that causes physical damage such as fractures, wounds, bleeding or permanent damage.

If the act results in serious or permanent physical harm, it will normally fall under the provision of bodily harm, which has a higher penalty and is considered more serious in the legal system.

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What should you do in the event of physical abuse?

If you have been subjected to physical abuse, you have the right to report the incident to the police. It is a good idea to secure evidence as early as possible – this could be photos of any marks, medical records, witness statements or video recordings if available.

You may also be entitled to legal representation, especially if the case is serious or if you feel unsafe. A lawyer can help you consider whether you should report the incident and explain what happens next in the process.

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Reported for assault

If you have been charged with assault, you should contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Many people underestimate the seriousness of such cases, but even a first-time offense can have consequences, both legal and personal.

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At Insa lawyers, we have extensive experience with various criminal cases, and assist both as defense attorneys and as legal aid lawyers for victims.

We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation, where we can review your case and advise you on your rights. Book a no-obligation consultation here .

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Domestic violence is one of the most serious and hidden forms of violence in society. When abuse occurs within the four walls of the home – from a partner, parent or other close person – it not only affects the body, but also trust, security and dignity.

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Many people who are in, or have come out of, violent relationships find it difficult to ask for help, or simply understand that what they are experiencing is actually criminal.

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What is violence in close relationships?

Domestic violence encompasses more than physical violence. It is about power and control in relationships where there are strong emotional or familial ties. The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual, material or economic.

Examples of such violence may include:

• Threats, humiliation and isolation
• Hitting, kicking, pushing or other physical force
• Sexual assault
• Financial control or manipulation
• Destruction of personal property

In many cases, the abuse occurs repeatedly over time. It is not always easy to put into words, but there are legal tools to put an end to the violence and protect the victim.

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How is violence in close relationships regulated in the law?

In the Norwegian Criminal Code, abuse in close relationships is regulated in Section 282. This refers to it as a criminal offense to subject a close person to repeated physical or psychological violence, threats, deprivation of liberty or other serious violation.

The penalty framework for abuse in close relationships is:

• Up to 6 years in prison in ordinary cases
• Up to 15 years in prison in the most serious cases, which may include sexual assault, serious acts of violence or abuse over time

The law recognizes that the relationship between victim and perpetrator makes such acts particularly stressful. Therefore, this type of violence is treated as a separate category with heightened seriousness.

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Free lawyer and free legal aid

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you are generally entitled to legal assistance and free legal aid. This provides you with free legal advice, where a lawyer can assist you with:

• Advice on your rights
• Assessment of police report
• Contact with police, crisis center and healthcare
• Request for restraining order or violence alert
• Claims for compensation for economic and non-economic loss
• Legal assistance in court as a legal counsel

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At Insa lawyers, we also offer a free and non-binding initial consultation, where we give you an overview of your rights and what measures may be appropriate in your situation. The consultation is completely confidential.

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We have extensive experience with cases involving domestic and intimate partner violence. Contact our legal aid lawyers to book an initial consultation.

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Being subjected to unjustified criminal prosecution can be a heavy burden – both psychologically, socially and financially. Fortunately, there are rules in Norwegian law that give you the opportunity to seek compensation if you have been subjected to unjustified criminal prosecution. Here you will get an overview of who can claim compensation, what you can get covered, and how to proceed.

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What is meant by unjustified criminal prosecution?

Unjustified criminal prosecution means that someone has been the subject of an investigation, arrest, detention, indictment or trial – without ultimately being convicted, or if the person concerned is later acquitted. It can also be a case of cases that are dropped after the person concerned has been subjected to significant interference.

The purpose of the compensation scheme is to provide compensation for the injustice and burdens that have been incurred as a result of a process that turns out to have been unjustified.

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Who can receive compensation?

You may be entitled to compensation if you have been:

• Arrested without later being charged
• Remanded in custody without conviction
• Subjected to house search or seizure without it leading to a lawsuit
• Indicted and later acquitted
• Victim of a procedural error by the police or prosecution

Compensation can be granted regardless of whether someone has acted negligently or made a mistake – it is sufficient that you have been subjected to an intervention by the legal system without there being any basis for this.

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What can you get reimbursed for?

The compensation can cover both financial and non-financial losses. The most common are:

• Lost income: For example, wages you were not paid because you were in custody or lost your job.
• Expenses: Costs for legal assistance, travel expenses or other expenses directly related to the case.
• Tort and injury: A standard compensation for the burden you have suffered, such as stress, lost reputation and invasion of privacy.

The amount of compensation is assessed specifically in each individual case, and the amounts may vary depending on how serious the intervention has been.

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How do you seek compensation?

The state is responsible for paying compensation in the event of unjustified criminal prosecution. Applications for compensation are submitted to the Norwegian Civil Rights Administration (SRF), which assesses the claim in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The application should contain:

• Description of what you have been exposed to
• Documentation of any financial losses
• Information about the legal process
• Any decision or judgment

It is recommended that you contact a defense attorney with experience in tort law for assistance in the process. In most cases, you can have your attorney's fees covered through the legal aid scheme.

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Deadline for claiming compensation

An application for compensation should be submitted as soon as possible after the case has been concluded. You usually have 3 years from the time you learned that the criminal case was dismissed or you were acquitted. It can be unfortunate to wait too long – both because the evidence is weakened, and because a long wait can affect the outcome.

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Do you need help in such a matter?

If you have been subjected to unjustified criminal prosecution, you have good opportunities under Norwegian law to claim compensation from the state. The scheme is there to restore a certain amount of justice and provide compensation for the burden you have been through.

Would you like help evaluating your case? Contact one of our experienced lawyers for a free assessment – ​​it may be a good place to start.

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