Wellbeing services counties have a key responsibility in preventing violence – obligations arise from international agreements
Preventing violence is not merely a recommendation; it is a statutory duty that also applies to wellbeing services counties. International human rights treaties, such as the Istanbul Convention and the Lanzarote Convention, oblige Finland to prevent violence systematically. In addition, the EU’s new Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence introduces more specific obligations for authorities. This further underscores the importance of strong coordination, effective leadership, and adequate resources for violence prevention within wellbeing services counties.
The role of wellbeing services counties is strengthening
For the first time, the latest national implementation plan for the Istanbul Convention assigns wellbeing services counties a central role in its implementation.
The implementation plan includes a wide range of measures in which wellbeing services counties act as the main responsible authorities, jointly responsible parties, or key partners.
This means that violence prevention is not a separate area but is directly integrated into the core functions of wellbeing services counties—namely the planning, organization, and development of services. Preventing violence is an essential part of promoting wellbeing, health, and safety.
The EU directive introduces new concrete obligations
The EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence introduces more detailed obligations regarding, for example, the availability of services, the identification and support of victims, cooperation between authorities, and preventive measures.
From the perspective of wellbeing services counties, this means that structures for preventing violence, the competence of professionals, and clear service pathways must be in place.
There are still significant challenges in the structures for preventing violence
According to an assessment by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), there are still considerable differences between regions. In particular, the weakening of coordination structures for preventing violence and the lack of service pathways for perpetrators threaten the effectiveness and continuity of the work.
At the same time, progress has been made. Service pathways for victims have been developed, and other service pathways are currently under development. In addition, methods for addressing intimate partner violence and for risk assessment are now more widely used.
Effective work requires a comprehensive approach
Preventing violence requires a holistic, gender-sensitive, and evidence-based approach that takes into account victims, perpetrators, and those close to them. Effective work is built on well-functioning service pathways, systematic risk assessment, adequate resources, and strong coordination and leadership.
Looking ahead, it is essential in particular to strengthen interventions targeting perpetrators, further develop risk management, and ensure that wellbeing services counties have permanent structures and the necessary competence to respond to support needs arising from violence.
Preventing violence is not only a human rights obligation but also a key component of overall societal security and resilience. In its proposals for the Government Programme, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends that the roles and responsibilities of different actors in violence prevention be laid down in legislation.
An opportunity for effective action
Although the obligations are substantial, they also provide wellbeing services counties with an opportunity to build a more effective and coherent approach to preventing violence.
It is essential to recognize that violence prevention:
- improves the wellbeing and safety of the population
- reduces the need for intensive and costly services
- supports the statutory role of wellbeing services counties in promoting health, wellbeing, and safety
Now is the right time to ensure that violence prevention is strategically led, adequately resourced, and fully integrated into the operations of wellbeing services counties.
This article is part of the blog series of the Committee for Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (NAPE), which explores the impact and national implementation of the Istanbul Convention — the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence — from different perspectives.