Domestic violence is violence where the perpetrator and the victim are or have been in a close relationship with each other. The violence can be directed at a current or former partner, child, close relative or other close person. It can manifest as physical, mental, sexual, or financial violence. Domestic violence, even simple exposure to it, carries long-lasting and serious consequences.
The City of Helsinki has developed a programme to prevent domestic violence in cooperation with various associations. Its measures are aimed at raising awareness of domestic violence, as well as improving professional capability to identify this type of violence and provide help for both sides. In the past year, for example, the city has launched a network of key person network for domestic violence work.
“We train different people in the city, the wellbeing services county, and in NGOs. Our goal is to ensure that professionals have the capability to handle domestic violence and that more and more people get the help they need. Pilots for the training model will take place in different wellbeing services counties. The project is coordinated by the National Institute for Health and Welfare,” says Ilona Fagerström, the City of Helsinki’s Coordinator for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
Identifying different forms of violence
In November, Helsinki will launch a campaign to help both victims and perpetrators of violence identify different forms of domestic violence, increase understanding of everyone's right to integrity and a safe life, and to talk about opportunities for help.
The “Home made, not always with love” campaign uses creative solutions that highlight different forms of domestic violence in a thought-provoking way. The campaign aims to help people understand that violence doesn’t always leave a bruise.
“Home made” usually refers to positive things made with love. The campaign exposes the human handprint. In the photos, we want to make it clear that sometimes, things at home are made with violence and pain, instead of love.
Campaign content is presented on digital billboards and social media, and it will also be displayed on the City of Helsinki's own information screens. The “Home made, not always with love” campaign starts on 4 November 2024.
Help for both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence is available on the Hel.fi website.
