Prevention of sexual violence

Who are these guidelines intented for?

This guideline is intended for professionals working in healthcare and social welfare. The guideline is also useful for others who encounter survivors of sexual violence in their work, such as professionals in education and youth work, police officers, and those working in support organisations. The guideline will help you identify and prevent sexual violence and provides ways to encounter and support victims of sexual violence.

The guideline includes recommended measures. The Constitution of Finland, other Finnish legislation, international human rights conventions (such as the Istanbul Convention and the Lanzarote Convention), and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence oblige professionals to protect individuals from violence.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a violation of a person’s sexual autonomy and privacy. Sexual acts are based on consent and are intended to bring pleasure, whereas acts of sexual violence occur without the other person’s consent. A sexual act without consent may happen either because the person does not give consent or because they are unable to do so for reasons such as age, intoxication, mental state, or disability. From the perspective of the person experiencing sexual violence, it is not a sexual act or experience, but an act of violence.

Sexual violence is particularly traumatising because violating someone’s sexuality is a violation of their entire humanity. It often causes feelings of guilt and shame, which can lead to secrecy. As a result, seeking help may feel difficult or impossible. Acts of sexual violence can occur in both physical and digital environments.

Examples of sexual violence include:

• rape or attempted rape, including within a dating relationship, common-law relationship or marriage
• unwanted touching or groping
• pressure to engage in sexual acts
• unwanted sexual advances or harassment, such as comments or propositioning
• sharing or sending sexual images without consent
• forcing someone to view sexual material
• purchasing sexual services from a person under 18..

Glossary of Concepts Related to Violence (Julkari)

Sexual violence against a child refers to any act that violates the child’s sexual integrity.
Suspicion of violence against a child

Chapter 20 of the Criminal Code of Finland (in Finnish) defines sexual offences and the penalties for them.
Criminal Code 39/1889 (Finlex)

Prevention of sexual violence

As a professional, you can help prevent sexual violence at various levels.

Ways to prevent sexual violence:

• Consider your client’s comprehensive well-being by addressing their sexuality and relationships in a natural and respectful way.
• Support your client’s sexual health and autonomy by providing information, guidance, and support throughout different stages of life.
• Strengthen your client’s understanding of sexual rights and sexual well-being through comprehensive sex education.

Sex education

Early identification of sexual violence:

• Bring up the subject of violence with your clients. Very few people address their experiences of violence on their own initiative.
• Tell your clients about the different forms of sexual violence and explain that sexual acts without consent constitute violence.
• When you realise that your client has experienced sexual violence, you can help them find help and support to process their experience, and the recovery process can begin.

Reducing the harm caused by sexual violence:

• Ensure that victims of sexual violence have access to support services where they can receive comprehensive support to help them recover, as well as legal advice and support with the criminal process.
• The need for support may continue long after the incident.

How to ask about sexual violence?

Asking about sexual violence enables the victim to talk about it and receive help. Tell the client that you always discuss these topics with your clients. This may make it easier for them to talk about a sensitive topic. You can use the following sample questions to help you address the topic, depending on your client’s situation:

• How do you feel about your relationship and intimacy with your partner?
• Has your partner ever forced or pressured you to have sex or threatened you with violence if you refused?
• Has anyone ever pressured you into sex or activities that you did not want to consent to?
• Have you been forced or pressured into sexual acts that you felt uncomfortable with?
• Have you been touched against your will?
• Have you been pressured into taking or sending sexual photos or videos? Have you been sent sexual images via phone or the internet that made you feel uncomfortable?
• Has anyone sexually assaulted you?

Let the victim describe their experience in their own words, and to the extent that they feel comfortable sharing. Thank them for their trust and for sharing their experience with you.

How encounter a person who has experienced sexual violence?

Sexual violence is a traumatic event that deeply affects a person's entire personality, their perception of other people, and their view of the world. It shatters a person’s sense of security and basic trust in life. As a professional, it is important to be aware that the initial reactions a victim receives when seeking help are crucial in determining whether they feel confident enough to accept help. When encountering a victim of sexual violence:
 

1. Be calm and empathetic

• Your calm demeanor will make the client feel safe.
• Empathy, clear communication, and respectful interaction will promote trust.
• Remember that victims of sexual violence often feel shame and guilt – an understanding attitude can reduce these feelings.

2. Create a sense of security

• Ensure that the client feels safe and that they will receive help.
• Tell them that their experience is taken seriously and believed.
• The initial contact is crucial for the victim's recovery – make sure to invest in it.

3. Take care of your own well-being

• Helping others can cause compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.
• If you regularly help victims of sexual violence in your work, you need additional training and regular supervision.
• Take care of your own well-being so that you can help others.

4. Observe confidentiality and reporting obligations

• You are bound by strict confidentiality when the situation does not involve minors.
• If sexual violence against a minor occurs or is suspected, you always have a reporting obligation. 
  Child welfare notification
  Duty to notify violence against a child

It is important to document and record violence carefully. Use body maps to mark injuries in healthcare settings in connection with suspected crimes.
Forms and tools for asking about and recording violence

Help for victims of sexual violence

Seri Support Centres

If a person has experienced sexual violence within the last month, refer them to the nearest Seri Support Centre (sexual assault referral centre). The Seri Support Centre is a low-threshold unit. Victims of sexual violence may come to the support centre on their own, with their loved ones, or based on a referral from the authorities. 
Seri support centers

You should call the Seri support centre before arriving. Inform the victim that they can get the help they need from the Seri support centre and that reporting the crime is not a prerequisite for receiving help. Inform victims of sexual violence under the age of 18 of your obligation to report the crime and explain why it is important to report violence against a child.

Other services

If more than a month has passed since the sexual violence occurred, offer the victim help and support or, if necessary, refer them to other services where they can receive screening for sexually transmitted diseases, necessary vaccinations, psychosocial support, and legal advice. 

Help is available from primary healthcare services, occupational and student health care services, and several organisations in your area.

Services listed