Shelter places for victims of domestic violence increase significantly in Finland – a total of 15 additional places across Finland
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has made funding decisions for shelters for the year 2026. In its 2026 budget, Parliament decided to increase funding for shelters. With the increased funding, it will be possible to secure the current shelter places and add new places in several regions. The total number of places will increase by 15. After these additions, Finland will have a total of 243 shelter places.
Largest Increase in Southwest Finland
The additional shelter places will help meet regional needs. The situation will improve particularly in Southwest Finland, which currently has the fewest shelter places relative to population among regions with a shelter. With the new places, the number will rise from 10 to 18.
"Last year, the only shelter in Southwest Finland was full for 179 days. In such cases, a shelter place is offered elsewhere, but long distances make it harder to access help. With the additional places, more people will receive the help they need," says Suvi Nipuli, Development Manager at THL.
New Shelter Places Will Be Opened as Follows:
- Turku shelter: +8 family places
- Oulu shelter: +2 family places
- Tilkka shelter, Helsinki: +1 family place
- South Karelia Wellbeing Services County shelter, Imatra: +1 family place
In addition, a pilot will start in Tampere at the Pispala housing service unit, offering three domestic violence shelter places for women whose shelter stay in a regular shelter would otherwise be interrupted due to substance abuse or mental health challenges. The aim of the pilot is to better meet the needs of this special group by combining shelter services with substance abuse and mental health services.
Goal is to add more places in coming years
Although shelter places are now being increased, there are still areas in Finland, such as the Keski-Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, with no shelters at all. If funding allows, THL will open calls for service providers in regions where shelters are currently missing.
"Intimate partner violence is a serious public health challenge that causes significant human suffering and also burdens social, health, and legal services. The Shelter Act, international agreements such as the Istanbul Convention, and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, which entered into force in 2024, oblige Finland to ensure that intimate partner violence is prevented and that there are sufficient shelter places," says Nipuli.
Furthermore, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has urged Finland to ensure shelter services also in the Sámi homeland. THL is currently conducting a study to identify suitable locations and determine how services should be provided in Sámi languages and in a culturally appropriate manner. The study also examines possibilities for Nordic cooperation in service provision. At present, the northernmost shelter in Finland is located in Rovaniemi.
THL is responsible for organizing shelter services in Finland. Service providers apply annually to THL for funding to cover the costs of the shelter services. For 2026, a total of €31.9 million was requested, and €30.9 million was granted. Current service providers have been selected for the period 2024–2028.
More Information
Shelters for victims of domestic violence (THL)
Shelters for victims of domestic violence (Nollalinja)
Suvi Nipuli
Development Manager
THL
Tel. +358 29 524 7205
[email protected]
