The Government Palace and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in orange as part of the international campaign. Photo: Finnish Foreign Ministry
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Over the past year, more than 15 women have been killed in Finland by men, underscoring a persistent crisis of violence against women. High-profile cases of such violence have dominated headlines across cities including Helsinki, Oulu, Vantaa, Tampere, and Espoo. Victims are often mothers, sisters, daughters, or friends.
Preliminary data suggests that Finland could soon rank as the most violent country in the European Union for women.
Recent statistics reveal a 5% increase in reported cases of intimate partner and domestic violence in 2023. Incidents of sexual violence have also grown significantly. Meanwhile, societal attitudes appear increasingly permissive towards violence, as highlighted in public opinion research. These issues arise against a backdrop of funding cuts to organisations working to prevent violence.
Despite these challenges, hope persists in the efforts of advocacy groups and volunteers. Many victims have found the courage to speak about their experiences for the first time, leave abusive relationships, and seek support from peers. These stories represent vital progress in addressing the issue.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November, draws attention to these issues globally. In Finland, the Government Palace and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in orange, symbolising solidarity with victims and the global campaign to end gender-based violence.
Violence against women takes many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and digital abuse. According to statistics, 34% of Finnish women have experienced violence from a partner, and 34% of women over 15 have faced sexual violence from others. Online harassment is a growing concern.
The Finnish government has committed to addressing these issues through initiatives such as increasing funding for domestic violence shelters and phasing out mediation in cases of domestic violence by 2025. Plans also include enhancing the capabilities of local authorities and service providers to prevent and respond to violence. The measures align with the Istanbul Convention, an international framework for combating violence against women.
The International Day marks the start of 16 Days of Activism, an annual global campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence. As buildings light up in orange, the day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to act against violence and support victims.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
