An increasing number of clients are referred from one domestic violence shelter to another due to lack of space – it is still always important to seek help
Domestic violence shelters are increasingly full, and clients must more often be referred from the nearest shelter to another location. In 2025, approximately 2,400 clients were referred from a primary shelter to another shelter. The year before, the number was approximately 1,300, which is clearly lower. The occupancy rate of shelters was 73 per cent last year. The data are based on the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s (THL) domestic violence shelter statistics.
Most clients were referred to another shelter in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Pirkanmaa and Southwest Finland.
“In the Helsinki metropolitan area and Pirkanmaa there are several domestic violence shelters, so if a client has not been able to enter the first shelter, it has often been possible to refer them to another shelter within the same area. However, this has not always been possible for everyone, as shelters have also been full at the same time. It is still always important to seek help – a solution is sought for every person in need of help,” says Suvi Nipuli, development manager of shelter services.
In areas where there is only one shelter, the situation is particularly difficult. In Southwest Finland, for example, the only shelter was full for 179 days last year, meaning that the distance to the nearest available shelter may be long. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, just over 1,100 people were referred to another shelter. The number increased significantly from the previous year, when the corresponding figure was about 580 (+94%).
Shelter in Espoo was full for a large part of the year
Among individual shelters, the highest number of referrals elsewhere were made from the shelter located in Espoo (376 people).
“The high figure is due to the fact that the only shelter in Espoo was full for a large part of the year. This shows that the current number of places is not sufficient for the needs of the area,” says Nipuli.
The shelter in Espoo was full for 249 days. Shelters in Helsinki were also simultaneously full at times on 48 days, and in Pirkanmaa both shelters were full at the same time on 147 days. The figures are based on inquiries about available places made by people experiencing violence or by professionals assisting them. The inquiries are often anonymous, and it is not always known which shelter the person in need of help may ultimately have accessed.
Demand for shelter services continues to grow
The number of shelter clients has increased annually after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, there were approximately 6,000 clients, which is four per cent more than the previous year. The number of both female and male clients increased.
“Domestic violence is a common phenomenon in Finland and affects a large share of the population. The increase in the number of clients may indicate that domestic violence is now being discussed more openly and that people are better able to seek help. Professionals are also better able to refer clients to services. These are positive signals,” says Nipuli.
“However, the statistics show that the adequacy of shelter places needs to be assessed across the country so that help can be provided in a timely manner to all those who need it.”
In 2025, a total of approximately 113,000 shelter days were recorded, which is eight per cent more than in 2024.
Shelters respond to urgent crisis needs
A shelter is a 24/7 service where a person experiencing or threatened by domestic violence can seek help alone or with children. A shelter can be accessed independently or through referral by an authority or another party, and when necessary, anonymously.
Shelter services are free of charge and can be accessed from anywhere in Finland regardless of place of residence.
Further information
More information about shelters (Nollalinja.fi)
Contact information
Suvi Nipuli
Development Manager
THL
[email protected]
tel. +358 29 524 7205