A significant share of violence in Finland occurs in close relationships

Violence in close relationships is a widespread and serious phenomenon in Finland, affecting individual wellbeing, public health, and the economy. In addition to physical injuries, it causes long-term psychological suffering and insecurity and has intergenerational impacts. Despite this, violence often remains hidden from the authorities.

People who have experienced violence, as well as those who use violence, must have easy access to services that support recovery from violence and help to stop violent behaviour. While supporting victims is essential, violence cannot be ended by helping victims alone.

Violence in close relationships is common, but rarely spoken about

According to studies, 34 per cent of women and 18 per cent of men aged 16–74 have experienced physical violence by a partner. Only a small proportion of victims report their experiences to the police: 11 per cent of women and just five per cent of men. (Attila et al. 2023.)

Violence in close relationships takes many forms. In addition to physical violence, it may involve psychological, economic or sexual violence, technology-facilitated abuse, spiritual abuse, or stalking. Violence is often repetitive and escalates over time.

Women in particular are exposed to cumulative psychological and physical violence. Children frequently witness violence or experience it at the hands of their parents, which increases the risk of violence continuing into adulthood.

The cost is high – for both individuals and society

Violence in close relationships generates significant costs. The direct additional healthcare costs of physical intimate partner violence experienced by women alone are estimated at approximately EUR 150 million per year. The actual costs are higher, as the calculations do not take into account indirect effects, violence experienced by men, or harm caused to children. (Siltala et al. 2022.)

For people who have experienced intimate partner violence, the costs of social and legal services are 60–90 per cent higher than for others. Violence experienced in childhood, in turn, is reflected in adulthood as service costs that are 50 per cent higher.

Risk assessment of severe intimate partner violence

Relative to population size, Finland has the highest number of intimate partner homicides in the Nordic countries. In recent years, their number has been increasing.

The victim-centred MARAC multi-agency risk assessment model for severe intimate partner violence has been developed, but there are still challenges in its implementation.

“The aim of the MARAC method is to ensure that intimate partner violence ends and that the victim can live safely without the threat of violence. Based on the risk assessment form used in the method and the professionals’ overall assessment, decisions are made on measures to manage the risk of violence and to safeguard the victim and any children,” says Elisa Niklander, Development Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Practices vary considerably between wellbeing services counties, and greater awareness of the model and professional competence require training at the regional level. In addition, there are challenges in multi-professional cooperation and in how victims access services. Finland currently lacks a comprehensive model for managing the overall risk of domestic violence that would also take perpetrators into account.

"Finland should establish a multidisciplinary domestic homicide review unit, as has already been done in many other countries."

Work to combat violence should be made statutory

THL supports wellbeing services counties in developing work to combat violence in close relationships. However, binding legislation is needed to support this work and to define the structures and practices of violence prevention.

Such legislation would help ensure that every region has functional services and service pathways for victims and perpetrators, as well as clear coordination, so that violence prevention is effective and equal throughout the country.

More information is also needed on the factors and risks that lead to domestic homicides.

“Finland should establish a multidisciplinary domestic homicide review unit, as has already been done in many other countries. The aim of the unit’s work would be to learn from events leading to homicide, prevent them, and develop risk assessment,” says Niklander.

Through such a function, a strong knowledge base could be created to support the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of timely, high-quality services. The unit would also make proposals for developing authorities’ practices, competence, legislation, and structures, and would monitor the implementation of these proposals.

Authorities and professionals must be provided with continuing training in recognising violence and intervening in it. Models related to violence in close relationships should be included in job orientation and induction. Degree programmes in social welfare and healthcare should include a mandatory component on violence in close relationships as a phenomenon.

“Without adequate competence, violence remains unrecognised, and those who experience it and those who perpetrate it are left without help.”

THL’s role in combating violence

THL acts as the national expert body and coordinator for work to combat violence.

THL prepares guidelines and recommendations for wellbeing services counties to ensure that violence prevention is equal and respects fundamental rights. Key tasks include strengthening structures and cooperation, such as coordinating the network of violence prevention coordinators and developing shelter services.

THL also produces research and statistics, provides training for professionals, and promotes legislation that would ensure permanent structures for the prevention of violence.