Shelter for domestic violence victims to rise to meet demands

The authorities will increase the number of shelter places for the victims of domestic violence in Finland by 15 this year, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Wednesday.

After these additions, Finland will have a total of 243 shelter places.

The THL has made funding decisions for shelters for the year 2026. In its budget for this year, Parliament decided to increase funding for shelters.

The additional shelter places will help meet regional needs and the situation will improve particularly in Southwest Finland, which currently has the fewest shelter places relative to population among regions with a shelter, said the THL. With the new places, the number will rise from 10 to 18.

Eight new family places will be opened in Turku shelter, 2 family places in Oulu shelter, one family place in Tilkka shelter, one family place in Imatra shelter.

In addition, a pilot will start in Tampere at the Pispala housing service unit, offering three domestic violence shelter places for women.

Although shelter places are now being increased, there are still areas in Finland, such as the Keski-Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, with no shelters at all. If funding allows, THL will open calls for service providers in regions where shelters are currently missing.

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has urged Finland to ensure shelter services also in the Sámi homeland.

THL is currently conducting a study to identify suitable locations and determine how services should be provided in Sámi languages and in a culturally appropriate manner.

The study also examines possibilities for Nordic cooperation in service provision. At present, the northernmost shelter in Finland is located in Rovaniemi.

THL is responsible for organizing shelter services in Finland. Service providers apply annually to THL for funding to cover the costs of the shelter services.

For 2026, a total of €31.9 million was requested, and €30.9 million was granted. Current service providers have been selected for the period 2024–2028.