What happened?

Types of sexual violence

Typical experiences of sexual violence include rape, attempted rape, childhood sexual abuse or attempt thereof and sexual harassment. Acts of sexual violence can be very diverse, and violence is not always easy to identify. Sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age, and can happen face-to-face or online. In terms of recovery, being able to give a name to the traumatic experience can often prove helpful. Even if you can’t name what happened, you can still seek help.

Learn more about different forms of sexual violence on the Naistalo website (in Finnish) » or on the Riku website » (in English)

Sexual violence means sexual acts carried out without the consent of the other person. Each person has the right to sexual autonomy and integrity, as well as to physical safety. Age, intoxication or mental state can prevent a person from consenting to sexual acts. For example, starting intercourse while the other person is asleep or has passed out is considered rape, according to law.

Taking and distributing sexually suggestive photos and videos without permission is a crime.

Learn more about consent on the Naistalo website (in Finnish) »

In Finland, at least 50,000 women experience sexual violence every year (Amnesty International). According to the final report on the 2021 study on gender-based and intimate partner violence in Finland (Statistics Finland, 2023):

• 43% of women and 12% of men have experienced sexual violence.
• 16% of women and 3% of men are rape victims.
• Violence is more common among younger people, and most often the perpetrator is a stranger.
• 10% of women and 2% of men have experienced sexual violence by a former or current partner.
• More than half of the victims told their family or close friends about violence perpetrated by a partner, while only a few disclosed violence perpetrated by other people.

Only a fraction of sexual violence incidents are reported to the police. Determining the actual number of sexual violence incidents is difficult.

Sexual violence can also be violence related to cultural traditions. Such violence may include violence related to “honour”, forced marriage, prohibition of the use of contraception or genital mutilation.

You can learn more on the THL website»

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical behaviour that is sexual in nature and violates sexual human dignity and creates a threatening or oppressive atmosphere. It is discrimination prohibited by the Act on Equality between Women and Men, and employers have a duty to intervene in it.

Sexual harassment can also constitute a crime under the law. The crime can be physical, verbal, non-verbal or digital, such as touching or sending images that are sexual in nature without consent.

Read more on the Nollalinja website.

Knockout drops

Knockout drops (or date rape drugs) are drugs or narcotics added to a drink without the victim noticing that cause confusion, nausea, fatigue and memory loss. The symptoms resemble a drunken state. The goal may be sexual crime, theft or vandalism.

If you suspect knockout drops:

• find a safe place and ask for help
• call 112 and file a crime report
• seek urgent medical attention, as the substances quickly leave your system.

The victim is often ashamed of what has happened, but getting drugged is never the victim’s fault.

Read more on the Victim Support Finland (RIKU) website »