What to do if you have experienced sexual violence?
Click on the boxes to learn more
How old are you?
Your age affects the available services and policies and the worker’s obligation to report the act.
Under the age of 18
In Finland, sexual offences against minors are taken very seriously. This is why a worker who knows of or suspects a crime must report a child/young person both to child welfare services and to the police. This helps the authorities hold the perpetrator of sexual violence accountable, prevent further offences and ensure that the child/young person receives the necessary support from their loved ones and professionals. Trying to cope with an experience of sexual violence on your own is likely to make the situation even worse. Don’t be alone in this; talk about your experience with trusted adults until someone listens and helps you.
Sometimes, the experience may trouble you for a long time, but you can also seek help at a later time. Often, friends and family members of the child/young person also need support from professionals, as a sexual offence committed against a minor also evokes intense emotions and thoughts in the person’s loved ones. Recovery often requires not only professional help but also sex education and other discussions with trusted adults.
Sometimes, the child/young person and their loved ones may disagree as to whether the sexual incident was harmful. In that case, talking about it may feel pointless or uncomfortable. Even if the experience does not seem harmful at first, its impact may change over time. Sometimes, the person may not be ready to talk about the incident until much later, but support can always be offered.
Learn more about the age of consent from Nuortentalo » (in Finnish)
Sometimes, it can be hard to talk to someone close to you. You can take the first step, for example, by discussing your situation in services aimed at young people.
- Sekasin chat
- Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) helpline and chat for children and young people
- Call 116 111
- Helpline for children and young people in Swedish; call +358 (0)800 96 116
- Helpline and chat for boys
- If you want to speak English, call on 0800 94884
- Nuorten exit (in Finnish)
- Sua varten somessa @suavarten_official
- Netari (in Finnish)
- Here you can see which online services aimed at young people are open right now and in the coming days. The calendar includes helpful chat services, themed chat services and discussions, as well as real-time information and advice services.
Over the age of 18
An adult has the right to decide whether or not to report an offence. The most important thing is to take care of yourself and your well-being and to seek help when you feel like you need it. The symptoms caused by a difficult experience can significantly reduce your ability to function, and we recommend asking your loved ones for help and contacting professionals, if you find it necessary.