Symposium at Reykjavík University Examines Information Sharing and Victim Protection

A symposium hosted by the Department of Law at Reykjavík University on April 20 focused on the overlap between data protection laws, confidentiality obligations, and other regulations that can prevent information about victims, or alleged victims, of violence from being shared across public systems.

The event emphasised a victim-centred approach and explored ways to strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders without compromising individuals’ privacy rights.

The symposium was moderated by Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir, a specialist at the Ministry of Education and Children. Presentations were delivered by Arndís Soffía Sigurðardóttir, Chief Legal Officer of the South Iceland Police; Rögnvaldur G. Gunnarsson, Chief Legal Counsel at Landspítali; Sigurður Örn Hilmarsson, attorney; and Jenný Kristín Valberg, team leader at Bjarkarhlíð.

The presentations highlighted the wide range of legal and practical challenges involved in sharing information about victims of violence and highlighted recent initiatives aimed at strengthening their legal protection. In particular, discussions focused on the interaction between data protection laws and healthcare professionals' obligations.

“The presentations provided a clear picture of the complexity surrounding information sharing in cases involving victims of violence.” Says María Rún Bjarnadóttir, a specialist at the Department of Law at Reykjavík University, who organised the symposium. She leads the faculty’s increased focus on research and teaching in technology law and digital legal issues.

María Rún adds that discussions also underscored the importance of initiatives such as Öruggara Suðurland in ensuring that procedures reflect diverse interests. Collaborative models like Bjarkarhlíð were highlighted as best practice, while team-based approaches, such as the domestic violence team at Landspítali, were identified as effective tools for responding to the needs of victims of violence.