Finnish shelters for domestic violence victims turn away record numbers due to overcrowding

Finnish shelters for victims of domestic violence are increasingly forced to redirect clients to other locations as occupancy rates climb, according to new figures from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

In 2025, nearly 2,400 people seeking shelter were turned away from their nearest facility and referred elsewhere—an 85% increase from the roughly 1,300 cases reported in 2024. The national occupancy rate for shelters reached 73% last year, with some regions facing even tighter constraints.

The capital region, Pirkanmaa, and Southwest Finland saw the highest numbers of redirections. In Helsinki, shelters were simultaneously full for 48 days, while in Pirkanmaa, both shelters reached capacity for 147 days. Southwest Finland’s sole shelter was full for 179 days, forcing victims to travel long distances for available space.

Espoo’s only shelter—full for 249 days in 2025—turned away 376 people, the highest number among individual facilities. “The data clearly shows that current capacity doesn’t meet demand,” said Suvi Nipuli, THL’s head of shelter service development.

Despite the strain, Nipuli emphasized that help remains available. “Anyone in need should still seek assistance—we will find a solution for every case,” she stated.

Overall shelter usage rose by 4% in 2025, with approximately 6,000 clients recorded, up from the previous year. Both male and female victims contributed to the increase, accumulating over 113,000 overnight stays—a figure 8% higher than in 2024.