The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland has launched a new pastoral care service for people working on the front line of efforts to combat gender-based violence. Free and confidential support will be offered in partnership with the Ólöf Tara Memorial Fund (Minningarsjóður Ólafar Töru).
The initiative, introduced at the SlutWalk march over the weekend and due to begin in early August, aims to support campaigners facing the emotional strain of advocacy work. This is particularly addressing the abuse and pressure associated with social media.
What’s the Story?
Original source: RÚV
- The National Church and the Ólöf Tara Memorial Fund have partnered to provide free pastoral care for campaigners against gender-based violence.
- The service is intended to support activists experiencing emotional strain, including online harassment.
- The programme is open to everyone regardless of faith, gender or beliefs, and all conversations will remain confidential.
Filling a Support Gap
The memorial fund was established in memory of Ólöf Tara Harðardóttir, who died at the beginning of last year after years of campaigning against violence.
Her sister, Telma Árnadóttir, said the idea grew from a simple question: “We were thinking, who looks after the people on the front line? They are helping others but receive no help themselves.”
According to Telma, many activists are unable to access psychological services because of long waiting lists and high costs. She also highlighted the impact of online discourse, saying social media places significant pressure on those involved in rights campaigns.
The church’s contribution to the project will be led by Reverend Laufey Brá Jónsdóttir of Fossvogur Parish, who has extensive experience supporting survivors of violence through her previous work at the Women’s Shelter and Bjarkarhlíð support centre.
“In pastoral care we do not approach these issues from the perspective of faith or religion,” Laufey said, adding that the service is free of charge and entirely confidential. She noted that supporting others can also reactivate personal trauma, making it important for campaigners to have “a place where they can come and simply catch their breath.”
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