34% women, 18% men experience violence from partner in Finland

A total of 34 per cent of women and 18 per cent of men have experienced violence from their current or former partner in Finland, said a government press release marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to be observed across the globe on Monday.

Of women and men over 15 years of age, 34 per cent and 8 per cent respectively have experienced sexual violence from someone other than their partner. Online violence is a growing form of violence.

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, as designated by the United Nations (UN).

Violence against women is also a significant problem in Finland, and solving this problem is everyone’s responsibility.

In observance of the day, the Government Palace was illuminated in orange on Sunday night as part of the international campaign.

The Government Palace illuminated at 20.00 and will continue until Tuesday morning at 9.00.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building will be illuminated in orange on Monday between 15.00 and 24.00.

Violence against women takes a variety of forms: physical, sexual, psychological, economic and digital violence.

The government took various measures that aim to combat violence.

The day begins an annual international campaign called 16 Days of Activism, which draws attention to this important human rights violation.

During the day, well-known buildings around the world will be illuminated in orange – the colour chosen to symbolise the day.