Prevention of violence in close relationships
Violence in close relationships is a major public health problem that does not look at social class, culture, age or gender. However, violence in close relationships targets women more often and certain population groups are particularly vulnerable to violence in close relationships. Preventing violence against women and family violence is an internationally recognised goal that promotes gender equality and the safety, health and well-being of people. Violence in close relationships is often kept out of sight. In order to tackle violence in close relationships, it must be better recognised.
Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.
Violence in close relationships is violence whose perpetrator and target are or have been in a close relationship. Violence in close relationships can be targeted at a person’s current or former partner, child, close relative, or another close individual.
Violence in close relationships can take many forms, including physical violence, psychological violence, stalking, sexual violence, sexual abuse of a child, economic violence, honour-based violence and neglect. Violence is a violation of human rights and a crime. Violence in close relationships can have far-reaching consequences for the victim or the person exposed to it. The consequences can involve health problems, such as somatic disorders and mental health problems, substance abuse problems or social and economic difficulties.
The task of municipalities and well-services counties is to prevent and combat violence in close relationships. Municipalities, well-being services counties, the state and organisations provide services to the public that help victims, perpetrators and persons exposed to domestic violence. The aim is to break the cycle of domestic violence, help victims cope with the consequences of violence and help perpetrators break the pattern of violent behaviour.
The City of Helsinki working group to prevent violence in close relationships is a body promoting well-being, safety and health that focuses on all resident groups. The working group includes participants from different divisions of the City of Helsinki, the Helsinki Police Department, HUS, the National Prosecution Authority, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and organisations specialising in domestic violence. The working group is chaired in turn by all the city divisions.
The City Manager has adopted an action plan for the prevention of violence in close relationships, which sets out measures to prevent and combat domestic violence. The measures aim to improve multi-generational well-being. The key measures include training professionals to recognise violence and address it, as well as to help those involved in collaboration with various actors. There are campaigns to inform city residents about violence and to encourage them to seek help.
The Coordinator for the Prevention of Domestic Violence manages the work as a whole.
Contacts:
Ilona Fagerström, Coordinator for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, ilona.fagerstrom@hel.fi
Article: Key person network helps combat violence in close relationships in Helsinki