In 2024, the number of cases of domestic violence reported to the authorities increased by 2 percent compared to 2023. The number of female victims increased by 4.6 percent and the number of male victims by 1.3 percent. There were slightly fewer reports of domestic violence against minors than in the previous year. The number of girl victims decreased by 3.3 percent and the number of boy victims by just under 2.7 percent from 2023. The data is based on the Domestic Violence Statistics, which compile statistical and research data on domestic violence and violence against women in Finland.
Fourteen percent of parents of infants and 21% of parents of preschoolers had experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence during the past 12 months. In families with infants, men reported experiences of violence slightly more often than women. Men reported psychological and economic violence more often, while women reported sexual violence more often.
Increase in the number of female victims of intimate partner homicides
In 2024, authorities were notified of 24 homicides in close relationships. Of the victims, 16 were women and 8 were men. Overall, victims of domestic homicides accounted for 15 percent of all homicide victims.
Of the homicides against intimate partners reported to the authorities in 2024, 13 were cases of homicide committed against a former or current spouse or partner. Twelve of the incidents (92%) involved women and one (8%) involved men. Over the past ten years, there has been a slight increase in the mortality rate of female victims of intimate partner homicide (Figure 1). Relative to the population, the number of deaths resulting from intimate partner violence in Finland remains higher than in other Nordic countries.
| Male victim | Female victim | |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 5 |
| 2016 | 1 | 7 |
| 2017 | 2 | 7 |
| 2018 | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 | 0 | 7 |
| 2020 | 4 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 | 9 |
| 2022 | 2 | 8 |
| 2023 | 0 | 9 |
| 2024 | 1 | 12 |
Access to the services has improved
The numbers of clients using specialised services for victims of violence – such as shelters, SERI support centres (Sexual Assault Referral Centres, SARC), the Nollalinja national helpline, and MARAC multi‑agency risk assessment conferences – have partly increased and partly remained at the established level of previous years.
In 2024, shelters served a total of 5,801 clients, which was about 8 percent more than in the previous year. The Nollalinja free 24/7 helpline received 15,167 calls in 2024, of which 66 percent were answered. After the COVID‑19 pandemic, the number of calls has stabilised at around 15,000 per year.
The total number of clients at SERI support centres for victims of sexual violence has increased annually. In 2024, 1,660 clients were served at SERI centres. At a SERI support centre, victims of sexual violence are provided a forensic medical examination and specimen collection, medical care, trauma support and follow-up, as well as support for recovery.
Referral to MARAC teams and numbers of clients
A Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a working method used to assess the risk of severe intimate partner violence and to ensure the victim’s safety. A client is referred to the local MARAC team when the risk of violence is elevated. In 2024, a total of 252 client cases were recorded in MARAC teams. The number of clients in MARAC teams increased significantly compared to 2023, when 110 client cases were recorded.
In 2024, the vast majority (94%) of clients in the MARAC teams were women. Almost two‑thirds of the cases were referred to the teams from shelters (34%) and social services (26%). Twelve percent of the clients were referred from mental health services, 10 percent from the Victim Support Finland (RIKU), 8 percent from non‑residential domestic violence services, and 4 percent by the police. Six percent of the clients were referred from other services.
| Service | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| MARAC teams | 110 | 252 |
| Seri support centres | 1641 | 1660 |
| Shelters | 5364 | 5801 |
| Nollalinja helpline | 15439 | 15167 |
About the data in more detail
Background information
Source
Domestic violence 2024
Statistical Report 2/2026, 30.01.2026.
Domestic violence and violence against women. THL.
Description of the statistics
The statistics contain information on domestic violence and violence against women in Finland. The statistic presents the latest available data at the time of publication.
- The statistics describe cases of domestic violence that have come to the attention of the authorities.
- Secondly, the statistics examine the share of domestic violence in homicides and the characteristics of homicides of women committed by a current or former intimate partner.
- Thirdly, the statistics present data on assaults and sexual offences against children, as well as findings from the FinChildren study on violence in families with children.
- Fourthly, the statistics compile information on specialised services intended for victims of domestic violence and violence against women.
The statistics are intended for social and health care professionals, administrative authorities, experts, and researchers who need information on domestic violence and violence against women in their work.
Update schedule
The next statistical report will cover the data for 2026 and will be published during 2027.
Contact details
Senior Specialist
[email protected]