Domestic violence victims on rise in Finland

The number of clients using shelters for victims of domestic violence increased in Finland in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the report published by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on Tuesday.

A total of 5,979 clients used shelter services in 2025, which is about 180 more than in 2024.

According to the preliminary data, the total number of days spent in a shelter in shelters last year was about 113,000, nearly eight percent (8%) more than in 2024.

The average length of stay for one client increased by one day compared to the previous year.

In 2025, the average shelter stay was 19 days, but in some regions the change was clearly greater.

The longest shelter stays last year were recorded at the Lapland Shelter in Rovaniemi, where the average stay was 28 days.

“Due to a housing shortage in Rovaniemi, shelter stays have become longer. If a client has financial difficulties or a negative credit record, it is very difficult to find a new home,” said Mari Kaltemaa Uurtamo, Senior Social Worker of the Lapland Shelter.

Traditionally, the Lapland Shelter has had plenty of space, but last year it was full for 80 days.

“The situation is worrying because distances to other shelters are very long. Ideally, the only shelter in the region would always have at least one place available for someone in need,” said Suvi Nipuli, Development Manager for Shelter Services of THL.

In addition to housing arrangements, other services needed by victims of domestic violence must be accessible at the right time during the shelter stay. This requires understanding the seriousness of domestic violence throughout the service system.

At the end of 2025, there were 28 shelters operating in Finland with a total capacity of 228 families or clients arriving alone.

This year, the number of shelter places will increase to 243.

In 2025, Nollalinja, the national helpline providing support for victims of domestic violence and violence against women, received more than 15,300 calls.

The number is slightly higher than in the previous year.

There were 12,500 victims in the 13,000 domestic and intimate partner violence offences reported to the authorities in Finland in 2024 and the number of victims was two per cent higher than in 2023.