The purpose of the Act on Reimbursement out of State Funds for Providers of Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence (2014/1354) is to ensure high-quality and comprehensive shelters for victims of domestic violence nationwide for people who are subjected to violence in a close relationship or who live under the threat of such violence.
Act on shelters (in Finnish, Finlex)
Decree on the requirements for providing shelter services for victims of domestic violence
A shelter must have a person in charge and a sufficient number of staff providing support and guidance. Shelter staff must be trained, have work experience and be familiar with crisis intervention work related to domestic violence. Staff qualifications are laid down in a separate decree.
Government Decree on the requirements for providing shelter services (in Finnish, Finlex)
Funding
In accordance with the Act on shelters, THL uses an open call to select the required number of shelter providers for a five-year period, ensuring that sufficient shelters for victims of domestic violence are available across the country. The current service providers operate from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028.
Under budget item 33.60.52, in accordance with section 8 of the Act on shelters (1354/2014), THL grants compensation from central government funds to the selected service providers for the costs incurred in running the shelters for victims of domestic violence. The compensation is paid in advance within the limits of the appropriation included in the Budget. The Act on Discretionary Government Transfers applies to the compensation. THL acts as the discretionary government grant authority in the matter.
Development of appropriations for shelters for victims of domestic violence and the number of shelter places
| Year | Appropriation (euros) | Number of shelter places |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 000 000 | 114 |
| 2016 | 11 300 000 | 118 |
| 2017 | 13 300 000 | 143 |
| 2018 | 17 300 000 | 179 |
| 2019 | 19 550 000 | 202 |
| 2020 | 22 550 000 | 211 |
| 2021 | 23 550 000 | 211 |
| 2022 | 24 550 000 | 228 |
| 2023 | 25 150 000 | 230 |
| 2024 | 26 550 000 | 230 |
| 2025 | 27 550 000 | 228 |
| 2026 | 31 000 000 | 243 |