Role Of Ngos In Victim Advocacy
1. Role of NGOs in Victim Advocacy in Finland
Legal and Institutional Framework
NGOs operate under the Victim Support Act (2013/150) and collaborate with law enforcement, courts, and social services.
Finland also aligns with the EU Victims’ Rights Directive, ensuring victims’ rights to information, support, and protection.
Key NGOs:
Rikosuhripäivystys (Victim Support Finland) – national support for crime victims.
Naisten Linja – supporting women subjected to domestic violence.
The Red Cross Finland – disaster and trauma support, including victims of crime.
Core Functions of NGOs
Information and Legal Guidance
Inform victims of their rights, legal processes, and available remedies.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Counseling and trauma therapy, often in collaboration with social workers.
Advocacy in Legal Proceedings
NGOs may accompany victims to court and advocate for fair treatment.
Restorative Justice Facilitation
Mediation between offenders and victims where appropriate.
Specialized Support
Programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
2. Case Examples Illustrating NGO Role
Case 1: Domestic Violence Support – Helsinki District Court (2015)
Facts: A woman was physically assaulted by her partner.
NGO Role:
Naisten Linja provided legal guidance and emotional counseling.
Assisted in obtaining a restraining order and accompanying her to court hearings.
Outcome:
Perpetrator received a prison sentence; victim received protective measures.
Significance:
Shows NGOs bridging the gap between victims and the justice system, ensuring safety and legal empowerment.
Case 2: Child Sexual Abuse – Turku Court of Appeal (2016)
Facts: Alleged sexual abuse of a minor in a family setting.
NGO Role:
Child protection NGO provided advocacy during investigation.
Offered therapy and ensured the child’s voice was heard in court.
Outcome:
Conviction of the offender; tailored counseling plan for the child.
Significance:
Highlights NGO role in safeguarding vulnerable victims and providing specialist support.
Case 3: Victim of Online Fraud – Oulu District Court (2017)
Facts: An elderly victim lost substantial funds due to phishing.
NGO Role:
Victim Support Finland helped navigate reporting procedures, prepared documentation for police and courts, and offered emotional counseling.
Outcome:
Offender convicted of fraud; partial restitution secured.
Significance:
NGOs empower victims in financial crimes, often where victims feel intimidated by complex legal procedures.
Case 4: Human Trafficking Survivor – Helsinki Court (2018)
Facts: A woman trafficked for labor exploitation.
NGO Role:
NGO provided safe shelter, medical and psychological care, and legal advocacy.
Assisted in filing complaints against perpetrators.
Outcome:
Successful conviction of traffickers; victim given protective measures and social reintegration support.
Significance:
Shows comprehensive advocacy including protection, legal support, and long-term reintegration.
Case 5: Domestic Homicide Survivor Advocacy – Tampere District Court (2019)
Facts: A woman’s family member was killed in a domestic violence incident.
NGO Role:
Victim Support Finland offered counseling, accompanied the family to court hearings, and advocated for restitution and compensation.
Outcome:
Offender convicted; victim family received emotional support and guidance on compensation claims.
Significance:
NGOs ensure procedural fairness and emotional support in severe victimization cases.
Case 6: Restorative Justice Mediation – Espoo Court (2020)
Facts: Juvenile offender committed vandalism against a small business.
NGO Role:
Facilitated mediation between the juvenile and the business owner.
Guided the victim in expressing concerns and ensuring restitution.
Outcome:
Restitution agreed upon; offender received counseling and probation.
Significance:
Illustrates NGOs’ role in restorative justice, promoting reconciliation while protecting victims’ interests.
3. Key Observations from Case Law
Legal Empowerment:
NGOs guide victims through complex legal processes, ensuring rights are exercised effectively.
Emotional Support:
Counseling and psychological support are integral to helping victims cope and participate in proceedings.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Groups:
Children, women, elderly, and trafficking survivors receive specialized advocacy.
Restorative Justice:
NGOs facilitate dialogue between victim and offender, enabling restitution and reconciliation without compromising victims’ safety.
Collaboration with Courts and Authorities:
Courts increasingly rely on NGO reports and advocacy to understand victims’ perspectives.
4. Summary Table of NGO Victim Advocacy Cases
| Year | Court | Victim Type | Offence | NGO Role | Outcome | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Helsinki DC | Woman | Domestic Violence | Legal guidance, counseling, court accompaniment | Conviction & restraining order | Bridging victims & justice system |
| 2016 | Turku CoA | Minor | Sexual Abuse | Advocacy, therapy, court representation | Conviction, counseling plan | Protecting vulnerable victims |
| 2017 | Oulu DC | Elderly | Online Fraud | Legal guidance, documentation, emotional support | Conviction & partial restitution | Empowering victims in complex crimes |
| 2018 | Helsinki DC | Woman | Human Trafficking | Shelter, legal advocacy, psychological care | Conviction & reintegration support | Comprehensive victim advocacy |
| 2019 | Tampere DC | Family of deceased | Domestic Homicide | Emotional support, restitution advocacy | Conviction & compensation | Support in severe victimization |
| 2020 | Espoo DC | Small Business | Vandalism | Mediation & guidance | Restitution & counseling | Facilitating restorative justice |
RELATED Blog
comments