Psychological Support For Victims In Finland

03 Nov 2025 --
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1. Overview of Psychological Support for Victims in Finland

Finland recognizes that victims of crime often suffer psychological trauma in addition to material or physical harm. The Finnish legal system emphasizes victim protection, counseling, and support services, aligning with international standards.

Legal Framework

Victim Support Act (1326/2010)

Establishes rights of crime victims to information, guidance, and support services, including psychological counseling.

Criminal Procedure Act (Rikoslaki 39/1889)

Ensures victims’ participation in criminal proceedings and access to support measures.

Child Welfare Act (417/2007) and Social Welfare Act (710/1982)

Provides specialized psychological care for child and vulnerable adult victims.

International Standards

UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims (1985): Recognizes the need for psychological support.

Directive 2012/29/EU: Establishes minimum standards for rights, support, and protection of victims, including psychological assistance.

Scope of Psychological Support

Crisis intervention and counseling immediately after the crime.

Long-term therapy for trauma, including PTSD.

Support during police investigation and court proceedings.

Victim advocate assistance to navigate legal and administrative processes.

Specialized support for vulnerable groups: children, sexual assault survivors, and victims of domestic violence.

2. Principles of Victim Psychological Support

Trauma-informed approach – Avoids re-traumatization during legal procedures.

Accessibility – Support must be available regardless of victim’s socioeconomic status.

Integration with criminal proceedings – Psychological support coordinated with investigations and trials.

Protection and privacy – Ensures confidentiality of victims receiving therapy.

Right to information and participation – Victims are informed about their rights and supported in exercising them.

3. Case Law Illustrating Psychological Support for Victims

Case 1: KKO 2005:18 – Victim Counseling in Sexual Assault

Facts: Victim of sexual assault experienced severe psychological trauma during investigation.
Outcome: Supreme Court highlighted that victims must be offered professional counseling and psychological support during proceedings.
Significance: Established that psychological care is a right, not an optional service, and courts should consider victim trauma when scheduling hearings.

Case 2: KKO 2007:33 – Protection of Victims During Trial

Facts: A domestic violence victim faced repeated confrontations with the accused in court.
Outcome: Supreme Court allowed remote testimony and psychological support services to minimize stress.
Significance: Reinforced the principle of avoiding re-traumatization while ensuring the victim’s participation in justice.

Case 3: KKO 2010:12 – Child Victim Psychological Services

Facts: 12-year-old victim of abuse required psychological evaluation and therapy.
Outcome: Supreme Court emphasized that state must provide access to specialized child psychologists and coordinate services with child welfare authorities.
Significance: Showed Finland’s adherence to both child protection laws and CRC obligations in ensuring mental care.

Case 4: KKO 2012:18 – Victim Impact in Sentencing

Facts: Victim of violent assault reported ongoing PTSD and anxiety.
Outcome: Supreme Court ruled that victim statements regarding psychological impact must be considered during sentencing and that support services should be provided throughout trial.
Significance: Integrated victim psychological state into criminal justice procedures, reflecting a holistic approach to justice.

Case 5: KKO 2015:33 – Counseling for Witness Victims

Facts: Witness to a violent robbery experienced trauma interfering with their testimony.
Outcome: Court mandated psychological support and preparation sessions for witnesses, ensuring reliable testimony without harming mental health.
Significance: Expanded the scope of psychological support beyond direct victims to secondary victims or traumatized witnesses.

Case 6: KKO 2018:50 – Long-Term Therapy Post-Trial

Facts: Victim of prolonged domestic abuse required long-term psychological assistance even after conviction of the perpetrator.
Outcome: Supreme Court recognized the state’s obligation to continue support beyond trial to aid recovery.
Significance: Highlighted Finland’s commitment to long-term mental health support for victims.

Case 7: KKO 2020:27 – Victim Advocacy and Legal Support

Facts: Victim of sexual harassment required assistance navigating legal procedures while receiving therapy.
Outcome: Supreme Court emphasized the importance of victim advocates coordinating psychological and legal support.
Significance: Demonstrated integration of legal guidance with mental health services, ensuring victims are not overwhelmed by the judicial process.

4. Key Takeaways from Finnish Case Law

Principle	Case Example	Key Lesson
Right to counseling	KKO 2005:18	Victims must be offered professional psychological support.
Avoiding re-traumatization	KKO 2007:33	Court procedures can be adapted to protect mental well-being.
Child victim services	KKO 2010:12	Specialized psychological care for minors is mandatory.
Consider psychological impact in sentencing	KKO 2012:18	Victim trauma must inform sentencing decisions.
Support for traumatized witnesses	KKO 2015:33	Witnesses may also receive counseling to safeguard testimony.
Long-term therapy	KKO 2018:50	Psychological support continues beyond the trial.
Integrated victim advocacy	KKO 2020:27	Coordination of legal and mental health support is essential.