Victims rights with social services
Crime victims have specific rights designed to protect their safety and well-being. Suppose there is an immediate or potential risk to the victim's safety or the safety of any children involved. In that case, it is important for the social worker to consider contacting the police for assistance.
Immediate crisis help and psychosocial support should be provided to the victim to address their emotional and psychological needs during this challenging time. Protecting the victim's personal data and privacy is also an important consideration.
According to section 11 of the Social Welfare Act, the municipality and the welfare area must organize services for the need for support arising from intimate partner and domestic violence as well as other violence and ill-treatment.
Section 35 of the Social Welfare Act contains provisions for contacting social welfare to assess the need for support. If the person's need for social care is assessed to be obvious, the professionals mentioned in the section must direct the person to apply for social services or, with the consent of the probationer, contact the authority responsible for municipal social care to assess the need for support.
In certain situations, for example, serious violence, notification of the need for social care must be made without delay, regardless of confidentiality regulations. The article also applies to the police. The assessment of the situation is also regulated in the Child Protection Act.
Child protection procedures should be initiated if they haven't been already, ensuring the welfare of children affected by the situation. Victims should be informed about available shelters and provided with guidance on accessing them if needed. Ensuring the victim has access to safe housing is crucial for their protection and well-being. Additionally, assistance should be provided to help victims address any financial difficulties they may be facing.
People have the right to receive adequate social services from the well-being services county where they have their municipality of residence. The well-being services counties are also responsible for 24-hour social services, which are organised to ensure urgent and necessary help around the clock. In urgent cases, every person residing in the well-being services county has the right to receive social services based on their individual needs in a way that does not jeopardise their right to indispensable care and subsistence.
Authorities are legally obligated to offer advice to their clients. Children and parents must be made aware of their rights and obligations. If clients feel that they have been mistreated by social welfare services or in a child welfare case, they can take the matter forward. There are legal remedies for this purpose. Their purpose is to protect the rights of clients of social services and child welfare services and to ensure that the rights are implemented.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for Finland’s social policy and prepares legislation on social welfare. Social welfare covers promoting social security and well-being and taking care of social welfare duties and services in accordance with general and specific legislation. Provisions on social welfare and social services are laid down in the Social Welfare Act and special acts on social welfare.
By upholding these rights, the aim is to empower victims and provide them with the necessary support and resources to navigate their circumstances and begin the process of healing and recovery.
