Number of domestic violence victims in shelters rises in Finland

A record number of people stayed at shelters for victims of domestic violence in 2024, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Wednesday.

A total of 5,759 people stayed at shelters, which is about four hundred more than in 2023.

There are still areas in Finland where the number of places in shelters needs to be increased so that more people can get help for domestic violence.

In 2024, shelter places were increased by five family places in Kuopio, which has also led to an increase in the number of clients in the region.

On the other hand, the Äänekoski shelter in Central Finland, which had seven client places closed down at the end of April.

“The availability of shelters has improved significantly in recent years, but we still have areas where the number of places is not sufficient in proportion to the population,” said Suvi Nipuli, Development Manager for Shelter Services of the THL.

Nipuli said that the Jyväskylä shelter in Central Finland was full on 186 days last year, which was partly due to the closure of the Äänekoski shelter. In addition, the number of places in Southwest Finland and Kajaani does not seem sufficient

All of Finland's shelters serve as a network. If the shelter closest to a client is full, the client is referred to a shelter where space is available.

"There are shelter places available every day in the shelter network. If you experience domestic violence, seek help,” Nipuli said.

The number of days spent in shelters for victims of domestic violence continued to increase.

According to preliminary data, the total number of days spent in shelters last year was approximately 105,000, which is about 3,000 days more than in 2023.

This growth is the result of an increase in the number of clients. In 2024, the average time spent in a shelter was 18 days.

At the end of 2024, there were a total of 28 shelters in Finland providing a total of 228 places for clients coming with family members or alone.

Shelter services are state-funded special services for those who have experienced violence in close relationships or are living under threat of it.