A shelter, also sometimes known as a safe house or a safe apartment, is a facility specifically designed to provide temporary accommodation and support services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence or are under threat of it. Shelters offer a secure and confidential environment where victims can seek refuge from abusive situations. These shelters typically have trained staff and resources to address survivors' physical, emotional, and practical needs.
In Finland, staying at a shelter is free of charge.Watch a video: THL Shelters for victims of domestic violence in Finland
You can also seek help from the shelter even if you have not been physically abused.
The location and specific services may vary across different shelters, but the overarching goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for those fleeing domestic violence.
In some situations, you can take a taxi to the social and crisis emergency services or a shelter free of charge; remember to consult this option first with the organisation you are heading to. A list of shelters can be found onthe Nollalinja website.
In case of an emergency, call112.
You can gather information about shelter availability from Nollalinja or directly from the shelter. A list of shelters can be found onthe Nollalinja website.