Child victims’ number of domestic violence slides, adults’ on rise

The number of clients in shelters for victims of domestic violence decreased last year compared to that in the previous year, according to the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Based on preliminary data, the number of adult clients increased slightly, but the number of children decreased, said the THL in a press release on Monday.

This was the first time there has been a small decrease in the number of shelter clients since 2015, when the responsibility for organising shelters for victims of domestic violence was transferred to the THL.

“Based on preliminary data, the key observation is that the decreased number of clients is due to there being fewer children in shelters. It is extremely detrimental, if children living in violent conditions haven’t been able to access shelter services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for example,” said THL’s shelter services’ Development Manager Joonas Peltonen.

There is an ongoing study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence and access to services, and the first findings have been published in January. Results regarding shelter services are expected late this year.

The shelter network has been extended each year after 2015, when the Shelter Act that governs shelter services entered into force. At the same time, the number of clients has increased by about 75%.

The number of places available for families will be increased by 20 in this year, which will bring the total to 231. Besides, there will be 30 places in the new shelter that is going to open in Turku for victims of domestic violence.

A new shelter with seven places will also be opened in Moisio, Turku. The service is provided by JST Solum Oy.

The shelter with 8 places in Petsamo of Tampere will move to Kaukajärvi in Tampere. The new shelter will have a total of 18 family places in two separate departments. The service is provided by Tampereen Ensi-ja turvakoti ry.

The shelter with 11 places located in Haaga, Helsinki will move to new facilities in Herttoniemi. The new shelter will have a total of 14 family places in two separate departments. The service is provided there by Pääkaupungin turvakoti ry.