Last year saw an increase in number of clients at shelters, while the number of calls to Nollalinja remained stable

A record number of clients stayed at shelters for victims of domestic violence  in 2024. A total of 5,759 clients stayed at shelters, which is about four hundred more than in 2023. This is indicated in THL’s preliminary data for 2024. 

There are still areas in Finland where the number of places in shelters needs to be increased so that more people can get help for domestic violence. In 2024, shelter places were increased by five family places in Kuopio, which has also led to an increase in the number of clients in the region. On the other hand, the Äänekoski shelter in Central Finland, which had seven client places closed down at the end of April. 

“The availability of shelters has improved significantly in recent years, but we still have areas where the number of places is not sufficient in proportion to the population. For example, the Jyväskylä shelter in Central Finland was full on 186 days last year, which was partly due to the closure of the Äänekoski shelter. In addition, the number of places in Southwest Finland and Kajaani, for example, does not seem sufficient,” says Suvi Nipuli, Development Manager for Shelter Services at the THL.

All of Finland's shelters serve as a network. If the shelter closest to a client is full, the client is referred to  a shelter where space is available. 

"There are shelter places available every day in the shelter network. If you experience domestic violence, seek help,” Nipuli emphasises.

Number of days clients stayed at a shelter continued to increase

The number of days spent in shelters for victims of domestic violence continued to increase. According to preliminary data, the total number of days spent in shelters last year was approximately 105,000, which is approximately 3,000 days more than in 2023. This growth is the result of an increase in the number of clients. In 2024, the average time spent in a shelter was 18 days. Shelters collect feedback from their clients. The overall score that the clients gave to the services last year was 4.8/5. 

At the end of 2024, there were a total of 28 shelters in Finland providing a total of 228 places for clients coming with family members or alone. Shelter services are state-funded special services for those who have experienced violence in close relationships or are living under threat of it. 

More than 15,000 calls made to Nollalinja

Last year, more than 15,000 calls were made to Nollalinja, which provides assistance for victims of domestic violence and violence against women. The number of calls made decreased slightly compared to the previous year, while the number of answered calls increased. The beginning of 2024 was the busiest time of year while the last months of the year were the most peaceful. 

Of the calls made last year, Nollalinja operators were able to answer 66%, which is slightly better than the previous year. The increase in the response rate was particularly affected by the chat service, which was available throughout the year, and a second phone line, which was open for 8-10 hours a day. 

"Sometimes clients may have to call Nollalinja several times if the phone line is busy for a long time. A second phone line ensured that a larger number of people have received help in a timely manner and avoided queuing or calling multiple times. This contributed to a decrease in the number of calls to Nollalinja. The total number of Nollalinja discussions increased by five hundred compared to the previous year, including discussions in the chat,” says Anu Karhinen-Soppi, Senior Specialist at the THL.

Chat lowers the threshold for initiating contact

Last year, more than 1,000 conversations took place in the Nollalinja chat and a total of about 30,000 messages were exchanged. The greatest number of discussions took place between May and September, and the number of monthly discussions varied between 74 and 119. 

According to feedback collected from chat clients, they have been satisfied with the service and feel that there is a lower threshold to contact the chat as a service than the helpline. Those who contacted Nollalinja via the chat feel that it is important that they can get help for situations involving violence even when other people are within hearing range and calling is impossible. The Nollalinja chat will continue to operate in 2025 with the help of separate funding granted to it.

In addition to victims of domestic violence and violence against women, Nollalinja offers help to their families and friends. Professionals can also consult Nollalinja's professionals specialised in work to prevent domestic violence or call to ask about vacant shelters. Nollalinja provides help by telephone and via the chat in Finnish, Swedish and English, and in nine other languages over the phone with the help of interpretation services. 

More information

Shelters for victims of domestic violence (Nollalinja.fi)

Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence 2024 (THL) 

Client feedback on shelters (THL, in Finnish) 

Nollalinja.fi 
tel. +358 80 005 005, open 24 hours a day
Chat open Mon-Wed 9-15, Thursday 14-20 

Suvi Nipuli
Senior Specialist
Shelter services
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7205
[email protected] 

Anu Karhinen-Soppi
Senior Specialist, Nollalinja
THL
Tel. +358 29 524 7160
[email protected]