Sexual violence does not always include physical coercion, and it is often hidden. Harassing physically and/or verbally, sexual comments, unwanted touch, coercion to watch pornography or sexual material, violent sex, rape, and coercion into sex are forms of sexual violence.
A distorted use of power can lead one to submit to having sex with their partner even if they do not want to. This is also the case if you agree to have sex to get peace of mind for yourself or your children or to avoid violence.
The age of consent means that children below this age are protected by law regarding their sexual self-determination. This protection also extends to cases where the sexual act does not involve force or does not fall under other criminalised sexual offences.
The age of consent covers a wide range of sexual activities, including those that could be considered sexual harassment under different circumstances.
Rape is never the victim’s fault. Nothing the victim has done or said gives entitlement to a sexual act or its attempt against the victim’s wishes.
Rape and other sexual violence or attempts are not okay, even in a relationship or marriage. For example, forcing penetration or oral sex or forcefully pushing a finger or other object inside another person is sexual violence.
Also in the human trafficking context, rape may occur as a method of coercion, control, punishment, or exploitation of the victim and constitutes sexual violence.
Anyone over the age of 16 who has experienced sexual violence in less than a month can go to the Seri support centre, regardless of whether the person who has experienced sexual violence has filed a criminal complaint.
Forensic samples of sexual violence are taken at Seri support centres in Finland. A forensic examination can be done within seven days, but the best samples will be obtained within three days. There is no requirement to report a crime, so there is no need to be afraid of it.
The Seri support centre provides forensic investigation, trauma support, psychological counselling, and therapy for victims of sexual violence. A multi-professional team works in the Seri support centre: doctors, on-call doctors, midwives, psychologists and a social worker.
What happens in Seri support centre?
- A person who arrives at the reception of the Seri support centre is received by a midwife or nurse, who briefly maps what happened and when. They usually start by taking blank samples of sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases, with which the results can later be compared.
- After the sample is taken, the doctor interviews the person about what has happened. After the discussion, a forensic medical examination will be carried out. In it, the doctor examines the person point by point, takes DNA samples and describes possible injuries. Finally, a gynaecological examination is performed. For the sake of sampling, it would be important for the person who experienced sexual violence to come to the reception still in the same clothes and without washing.
- A subscription to the Seri support centre lasts for six months. The midwife calls the person after a few days, two weeks, one and three months and six months about the laboratory results. At the same time, we ask about the person's health. The list with direct links of Seri support centers is available at THL website.
Sexual violence, physical or verbal, is wrong. The responsibility is always on the abuser, not the victim. There is no justification for sexual violence, i.e. it doesn't matter what the victim is wearing. Sexual acts always require mutual consent without pressure.