Domestic violence reports rise across most Finnish welfare regions

Reports of domestic violence increased in nearly all of Finland’s welfare regions last year, according to official statistics cited by Yle.

Nationwide, the number of recorded victims rose by nearly a fifth, from 12,921 in 2024 to 15,532 in 2025. The highest numbers were reported in Helsinki, as well as the Länsi-Uusimaa and Varsinais-Suomi welfare regions. Åland saw a near doubling of cases, though absolute numbers remained low. The sharpest relative increases occurred in South Karelia (37%), Pirkanmaa (36%), and Helsinki (35%).

Only Central Uusimaa and South Savo recorded declines in official figures, but experts warn this does not necessarily indicate a reduction in violence. Hanna Nylén, a specialist at the Viola – Väkivallasta vapaaksi association in South Savo, noted that requests for help to the organisation surged by over 38% and client numbers by nearly 30% from 2024 to 2025, with the most severe cases—including life-threatening violence and post-separation stalking—showing a marked rise.

Nylén attributed the increase to both a rise in domestic violence and greater recognition of abuse by victims and service providers. She highlighted gaps in risk assessment and safety planning, calling for mandatory protocols and stronger multi-agency cooperation. Children’s exposure to domestic violence, she added, often goes unaddressed, with perpetrators sometimes blocking access to support.

Funding cuts have already led to waiting times for Viola’s services, with Nylén warning that further constraints are likely next year.