Restraining order cases rise sharply in Finland

Finland saw a significant increase in restraining orders last year, according to new data from Statistics Finland.

The agency reported 1,650 restraining orders issued in 2024, marking a nearly 15% rise compared to the previous year. Most cases involved current or former intimate relationships.

Men accounted for 92% of those subject to restraining orders, with the 30–34 age group representing nearly one-fifth of all cases. Nearly all protected individuals were women.

Statistics Finland attributes the surge partly to a 2023 legal amendment that eliminated fees for restraining order applications, even if the request is rejected or withdrawn.

The data follows a 2024 report indicating that only about one-third of those issued restraining orders comply with them.