Encountering violence

Using violence is a crime. Steps must be taken to put an end to violence both at home and in the workplace as well as in schools, care facilities, public facilities or e.g. restaurants and bars. Violence committed by a family member or another close person is also punishable.

If you see that someone’s life is at risk or their health is threatened, you have a duty to get help. Negligence to intervene is punishable according to Finnish law.

The victim, an eyewitness or any other person, who has heard about or received a tip on violence, may submit a report to the police.

Intervening in or reporting violence can be difficult, as you may fear that you will become the target of violence or revenge. The police are responsible for protecting both the person, who reports a case of violence, as well as the victim. You can also get help from social welfare authorities and from the support persons at organisations such as Victim Support Finland.

If you witness an act of violence, do the following:

• Call the emergency number 112 and describe what has happened or is happening. Act according to the instructions provided by the emergency response centre.
• If you see another person being assaulted and estimate that you can intervene in the situation without endangering your own safety, you should intervene and try to calm the situation.
• If the offender escapes, try to remember what he/she looks like or take a photo of him/her. If possible, immediately take notes on the offender's appearance, vehicle, possible weapons, state of mind, and the direction in which he/she escaped.
• Provide first aid or CPR when necessary. Tell the victim that you have called for help.
• Do not tamper with evidence: do not e.g. clean up any mess left by the crime, but leave everything as it is.
• Give your contact details to the police. Be prepared for the possibility that you may be asked to act as a witness in the pre-trial investigation by police and the possible trial. If you have a hearing or speech impairment and require a sign language interpreter during the pre-trial investigation or trial, make sure that the police take note of this requirement.

If you are subjected to violence yourself, do the following:

• If the offender is a stranger, try to remember any distinguishing features of their appearance or take notes on these immediately.
• Do not tamper with evidence: do not clean the area, do not move anything, just leave everything exactly as it was for the criminal investigation. If there were witnesses present, list their names and contact information.
• If you need treatment seek medical help immediately. If you are the victim of a sexual offence, do not take a shower, clean up or change your clothing before going to see a doctor.
• Tell the doctor exactly what caused your injuries, and ask for a medical certificate on the nature of your injuries
• After seeing a doctor, report the offence to the police by phone or in person. You can also ask a member of health care personnel or another person to report the crime to the police.

Violent crimes include the offences of assault, homicide and rape. Domestic violence refers to violence against a current or former partner, a child, a close relative or some other close person.

If you know about or suspect a violent crime, see the instructions on what to do when encountering a violent crime on the Police websiteOpens in a new window..

If you suspect that someone is assaulting a child, notify child welfare servicesOpens in a new window. without delay.

You should report the offence as soon as possible. This can be done immediately to the police at the scene of the incident, in the police e-servicesOpens in a new window. or at the police departmentOpens in a new window.. If you as a victim of an offence feel unable to visit the police's public premises to report an offence, you can ask that a police officer receive your report in a separate room.

Police instructions for filing a police reportOpens in a new window.