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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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 .

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

In criminal law, the terms suspect, accused and defendant are not just legal definitions, but descriptions of where the case is in the legal process. With the different phases also come different rights and obligations. In this article, we explain the difference between the terms, and what they mean in practice.

‍

Suspect

A person is designated as a suspect when the police have reason to believe that the person may have committed a criminal offense. This is the earliest phase of the investigation, where the police work to gather evidence.

As a suspect, you may be summoned for questioning. You are obliged to appear, but you are not obliged to explain yourself. You have the right to know what the suspicion concerns, and it is up to you whether you wish to speak out or remain silent.

As a general rule, you are not entitled to a publicly appointed defense attorney as a suspect, unless the case concerns a very serious crime or you are under the age of 18. You can still hire a private defense attorney to protect your rights, but then you must cover the costs yourself.

‍

Aimed

If the police consider it likely that you have committed a criminal offence, you will be formally charged . This is a more serious stage in the criminal case where the case is investigated with greater seriousness. As a charge, the police can use several investigative steps, such as arrest, search and seizure of objects.

During this phase, you have several important rights:

• Right to a lawyer, usually covered by the state
• Right to access case documents (with some exceptions)
• Right to familiarize yourself with the evidence against you
• Right to present one's own witnesses

It is important to remember that you still have no obligation to explain yourself, and you can never be forced to contribute to your own conviction.

‍

Accused

When the investigation is complete and the prosecution believes the evidence is strong enough to convict you, an indictment is issued. The accused is then charged, and the case is sent to court for consideration. As the accused, you are summoned to a main hearing in the district court, where the court decides on the question of guilt and any punishment.

‍

Free choice of lawyer

Both the accused and the injured party in criminal cases have the right to free choice of lawyer. This means that you are free to choose which lawyer will represent you. In many cases, the public sector covers the costs of a lawyer, especially in cases involving serious crimes.

It is also possible to change lawyers along the way, as long as this does not delay or disrupt the legal process.

‍

Do you need help in a criminal case?

At Insa advokater, we have extensive experience in criminal law and legal process. We assist both as defense attorneys and as legal aid attorneys for victims in criminal cases.

‍

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 .

‍