The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for planning and guiding the prevention of domestic and family violence. The aim is to prevent violence and develop the nationwide service system so that it can provide services and support to all parties in domestic and family violence irrespective of their place of residence.
People may experience violence or threat of violence, including physical, psychological, sexual, economic, digital or honour-related violence, in domestic relationships or within families. Neglect and abuse may also constitute violence.
Implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Finland
Finland is committed to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). The Convention entered into force in Finland on 1 August 2015.
In Finland, the coordinating body required under the Istanbul Convention is the Committee for Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (NAPE), which operates in connection with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Committee is tasked with coordinating, monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Convention in Finland. It is also responsible for drawing up action plans for the Istanbul Convention.
The wellbeing services counties organise health and social services for victims of violence. In addition, the State is responsible for organising shelter services and the operation of the Nollalinja helpline.
Shelters are meant for people and families who have experienced or been threatened with domestic violence. Shelter clients are offered, for example, round-the-clock secured housing, crisis counselling and psychosocial support. Shelters are free of charge to clients, and people can go to a shelter on their own initiative. Other services also refer clients to shelters. For more information: Shelters for victims of domestic violence – Finnish Institute for Health and WelfareLink to an external website
The Seri Support Centres provide support for people over 16 years of age who have experienced sexual violence. You can seek help from the centre on your own or with your family or friends or you can be referred there by the authorities. The Seri Support Centres provide forensic examination, trauma support, psychological counselling and therapy. For more information: Seri Support Centre for victims of sexual violence – Finnish Institute for Health and WelfareLink to an external website (in Finnish and Swedish)
Minna Viuhko, Senior Specialist Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Safety, Security and Health / TUTO, Wellbeing and Health Protection Unit / HYT Telephone:0295163470Email Address:firstname.lastname@gov.fi
