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Help with domestic abuse

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    On this page, you can find information about the different forms of domestic abuse, and where those involved can get help and support.

    Domestic abuse

    Domestic abuse happens within close relationships. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Domestic abuse can be directed, for example, at a current or former partner, a child, a person being cared for, a sibling, a close relative or another loved one.

    Abuse can take many different forms. It can be physical, emotional, financial or digital. It is often difficult to recognise abuse, and because of this it is easily hidden.

    Domestic abuse is always wrong. Without outside support, the abuse can continue or get worse. Support is available to all those involved in domestic abuse, including victims, the abuser and those who witness abuse.

    Seek help if you are experiencing abuse or if you abuse others. Even the threat of abuse or fear are reasons enough for seeking help.

    Domestic abuse can take many different forms in the everyday lives. Understanding the different forms of abuse can help you recognise when you experience it.

    In abusive relationships, abuse often takes many different forms. It is typical that domestic abuse gets worse over time. The cycle of abuse advances step by step, and the acts can become more brutal as the cycle continues. Abuse does not usually stop by itself.

    • Physical violence can be hitting, choking, pulling, throwing objects, threatening with bladed weapons or other weapons, restricting movement, or forcing sexual contact.
    • Emotional abuse can be controlling, name-calling, belittling, humiliation, scaring, threatening, forcing, blackmail, controlling behaviour, keeping someone from sleeping or other basic needs, breaking things, or isolating from other people.
    • Financial abuse can, for example, be preventing a person from using or deciding about money independently, forcing them to hand over their money for another person’s use, not sharing money fairly, financial threats or blackmail.
    • Mistreatment or neglect can, for example, be not providing care, help or care to a child, an elderly person or a person with a disability when they need these.
    • Chemical violence is abuse in which a person is controlled by medicines or other substances.
    • Sexual abuse can be about making your own choices about your body and your sexuality, using sex to humiliate someone, denying access to contraception, forcing a woman to have an abortion, force or pressure someone into sexual activity or to watch or film sexual acts, as well as rape or attempted rape.
    • Cultural or spiritual abuse is the justification of abuse by referring to religion or culture or threatening someone with religion-related matters.  Also forcing a religious belief on someone, as well as restricting or preventing their religious practices, is spiritual abuse.
    • Digital abuse is using digital devices to control, monitor, scare and humiliate others through devices and applications.

    • If there is an emergency call 112.
      • Always make sure that you and your loved ones are safe.
      • Go to a safer place.
      • Take your phone with you.
    • Ask for help and crisis support, both for yourself and for your loved ones. If necessary, seek medical attention to have your injuries assessed and documented.
      • If you feel you need professional help immediately, please contact the wellbeing services county of East Uusimaa’s social and crisis emergency services 24/7 by calling 019 5600 150.
      • If it is not safe for you to stay at home, you can go to a domestic abuse shelter. Domestic abuse shelters offer round-the-clock protection if you experience domestic abuse or face the threat of it, and it is not safe for you to stay at home.
      • You can go to a domestic abuse shelter alone or with your children 24/7, regardless of which municipality you live in. You can go to the Porvoo Shelter either directly or by calling 0400 664 932 in advance. You can find the contact details for other domestic abuse shelters here(siirryt toiseen palveluun).

    There are many different services available to help you. You can discuss with professionals how you can improve your safety and find solutions to your situation.

    Domestic abuse does usually not stop on its own; outside help is often needed. Many services also allow you to use them anonymously.

    The abuser does not always realise that they behave abusively. Violence can come into a close personal relationship step by step. Violent behaviour is often driven by difficulties in managing one’s own emotions. Also, the people who act violently feel shame and guilt about their behaviour. Sometimes this can make it difficult to seek help.

    A person who uses violence can change their behaviour. There are many support services available to abusers, to help with their own situation. Even worrying about your own thoughts is reason enough to seek help.

    In the Eastern Uusimaa region, support for abusers is provided by Paasi, Conversational support in case of violence and abuse in close relationships(siirryt toiseen palveluun).

    Other national services for abusers are provided by, amongst others,

    Sexual violence

    Sexual violence refers to sexual acts carried out without the other person’s consent, or in circumstances where the other person cannot give their consent, for example because of their age, intoxication or mental state. Sexual violence can be pressure, coercion, harassment or other unwanted sexual activity. The experience can give rise to fear, shame and uncertainty.

    If you experience sexual violence, please remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Please note that you can use various support services regardless of whether you report the matter to the police.

    What to do if you have experienced sexual violence?

    If you have recently been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence, it is important to ensure both your own safety and any evidence, and to receive support.

    • Do not wash yourself, and do not change your clothes.
    • Any stains, hairs or fibres left behind by the offender may be important evidence.
    • Even if you already washed yourself, you could still seek medical attention. The most important thing is that you seek help.

    • Seek medical attention without delay, even if there are no visible injuries.
    • You will receive the necessary treatment and examinations.

    • If it is less than one month since the incident
      • You can contact the Seri Support Centre (a support centre for victims of sexual violence).
      • Alternatively, you can go to your local health centre.
    • If it is more than one month since the incident
      • Please contact your local health centre for a follow-up assessment and to receive support.

    You might also find these useful:

    Shelter

    Social and Crisis Emergency Service

    Myötätuuli Partnership House

    The Myötätuuli Partnership House is a place where you will receive help and support from professionals. You can also contact the Myötätuuli Partnership House anonymously if you do not want to tell your name. The services at the Myötätuuli Partnership House do not cost anything.