Number of clients in shelters for victims of domestic violence increased last year – more calls also made to Nollalinja helpline

In 2025, the number of clients using shelters for victims of domestic violence increased compared to the previous year. A total of 5,979 clients used shelter services, which is about 180 more than in 2024. The information comes from the preliminary data for 2025 published by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). 

Increase also in number of days spent in a shelter 

According to preliminary data, the total number of days spent in a shelter in shelters last year was approximately 113,000, nearly eight percent (8%) more than in 2024. The average length of stay for one client increased by one day compared to the previous year. In 2025, the average shelter stay was 19 days, but in some regions the change was clearly greater.

The longest shelter stays last year were recorded at the Lapland Shelter in Rovaniemi, where the average stay was 28 days.

“Due to a housing shortage in Rovaniemi, shelter stays have become longer. If a client has financial difficulties or a negative credit record, it is very difficult to find a new home,” says Mari Kaltemaa Uurtamo, Senior Social Worker at the Lapland Shelter.

Traditionally, the Lapland Shelter has had plenty of space, but last year it was full for 80 days.

“The situation is worrying because distances to other shelters are very long. Ideally, the only shelter in the region would always have at least one place available for someone in need,” says Suvi Nipuli, Development Manager for Shelter Services at THL.

In addition to housing arrangements, other services needed by victims of domestic violence must be accessible at the right time during the shelter stay. This requires understanding the seriousness of domestic violence throughout the service system.

“Shelters provide acute crisis support, but most victims also need additional help. Municipalities and wellbeing services counties play a key role in developing structures and services for preventing violence and coordinating activities in their region,” Nipuli continues.

At the end of 2025, there were 28 shelters operating in Finland with a total capacity of 228 families or clients arriving alone. This year, the number of shelter places will increase to 243. Shelter services are state-funded, legally defined special services for people who have experienced domestic violence or are under threat of it.

More than 15,300 calls to Nollalinja helpline

In 2025, Nollalinja, the national helpline providing support for victims of domestic violence and violence against women, received more than 15,300 calls. The number is slightly higher than in the previous year. Early 2025 was quieter, but from June onward the number of calls increased, and the latter part of the year was clearly busier than the same period in 2024.

The call response rate in 2025 was 63 percent, slightly lower than the previous year’s 66 percent. Last year, the opening hours of Nollalinja’s second phone line had to be reduced due to decreased resources, which affected how many calls could be answered.

“All in all, the total number of conversations at Nollalinja remained almost the same as in the previous year when both phone calls and chat conversations are included. If the phone line is busy or the chat is congested, it’s worth trying the other channel. Callers may wait in the phone queue, but currently there is no queueing option for the chat,” says Senior Specialist Anu Karhinen Soppi.

Slight increase in chat contacts

Nearly 1,200 chat conversations were held on Nollalinja last year, with a total of about 30,500 messages exchanged. Chat activity also increased during the second half of the year—from July onward.

The Nollalinja chat continues to operate this year. It is open on the Nollalinja website Monday–Wednesday from 9:00 to 15:00, and Thursday–Friday from 14:00 to 20:00.

In addition to victims of domestic violence and violence against women, Nollalinja offers support to their close ones. Professionals can also consult Nollalinja’s crisis workers or ask about available shelter places. Nollalinja provides help in Finnish, Swedish, and English, and via telephone interpreter services in nine additional languages.

More Information

Shelters for victims of domestic violence (Nollalinja)
 
Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence 2025 (THL)
 
Nollalinja
Tel. +358 80 005 005, open 24/7
Chat open Mon–Wed 9–15, Thu–Fri 14–20

Suvi Nipuli
Development Manager
THL
Tel. +358 29 524 7205
[email protected]

Anu Karhinen Soppi
Senior Specialist, Nollalinja
THL
Tel. +358 29 524 7160
[email protected]