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Assault and Other Physical Violence

Physical violence means acts where physical force is used against another person. Assault can cause injuries, pain, or other harm to health. Sexual violence is also often physical.

Violence can occur in many different situations, such as in public places, at work, at school, or within the home.

If you are in danger, get to safety and call the emergency number 112.

Assault Can Have Physical, Psychological, and Social Consequences

The consequences of physical violence can be varied, affecting the victim’s life both immediately and in the long term. Possible consequences can be categorised into physical, psychological, social, and financial impacts.

Physical Consequences

  • Injuries and pain: Bruises, wounds, fractures, internal injuries, and other physical harm.
  • Long-term health problems: Chronic pain, mobility impairments, sensory damage, or permanent injuries.
  • Serious and life-threatening conditions: Brain injuries, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening outcomes.
  • After-effects: Persistent headaches, nerve damage, or other physical ailments that can affect quality of life.

Psychological Consequences

  • Traumatic stress: Nightmares, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and fear.
  • Depression and low self-esteem: Being subjected to violence can affect mood and self-perception.
  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Long-term stress reactions that affect daily functioning.
  • Sleep difficulties and mental strain: Stress caused by violence can affect sleep quality and overall well-being.

Social Consequences

  • Relationship problems: Loss of trust in others.
  • Ability to work or study: Long sick leave, difficulty concentrating, or inability to work.
  • Fear and isolation: Victims of violence may avoid public places or social situations.

Financial Consequences

  • Medical and treatment costs: In serious cases, such costs may continue for a long time after the incident.
  • Loss of income due to absence from work.
  • Costs related to the legal process.

What Is the Difference Between Minor, Aggravated, and Basic Assault?

In Finnish law, assault is classified into different levels of severity. The police determine the degree of severity based on the specific details of the act. During the investigation, it is decided under which offence title the case will be examined.

Minor Assault

A minor assault refers to cases where the injuries are minor or the act is otherwise considered minor in its entirety.

Assault

An assault occurs when someone intentionally uses physical violence against another, harms another person’s health, causes pain, or renders someone unconscious or in a similar state. Attempted assault is also a punishable offence.

Aggravated Assault

An aggravated assault occurs when someone causes a serious injury, severe illness, or life-threatening condition; when the crime is committed in a particularly brutal or cruel way; or when a firearm or bladed weapon is used. Attempted aggravated assault is also punishable.

Statutes of limitations vary depending on the severity of the offence.

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Physical Violence?

If you experience physical violence:

  • Move to safety. Call the emergency number 112 and get to a safe place.
  • See a doctor if necessary. Seek medical care if you have been physically assaulted, even if the injuries do not require treatment. It is important that a doctor documents even minor bruises and injuries. Tell the doctor who caused the injuries and when. Also share information about your mental state. A medical statement is important evidence if you decide to file a police report.
    • If you experience sexual violence, go first to a SERI Support Centre, available in different parts of Finland. Do not wash or change clothes before going to the doctor, so that important evidence can be preserved. Taking samples does not oblige you to report the crime, but they may be useful if you decide to do so later. If there is no SERI Support Centre in your area, seek help from local healthcare services.
  • Document what happened. Save all possible evidence, such as photos of injuries, messages, and witnesses’ contact details.
  • File a police report. For the most serious offences against life and health, it is advisable to report the crime at the nearest police station so the urgency of your case can be assessed more quickly. A police report can also be filed online. In some cases, the police can interview the victim in hospital if necessary. You can file a report even if there were no witnesses.

Assault and the Possible Criminal Process

Cases of assault are handled according to the criminal process. In the pre-trial investigation, the police investigate what happened, interview the parties involved, and collect evidence. In the consideration of charges phase, the prosecutor decides whether to press charges and take the case to court. If the case proceeds to trial, the victim can receive support and practical advice throughout the process, for example from Victim Support Finland.

In some cases, violent offences can be resolved through mediation.

How to Get Help and Support?

Victim Support Finland offers help and practical advice:
Victim Support Finland 116 006
RIKUchat
Legal Advice 0800 161 177

To receive service in English, leave a contact request

Other support services for victims of violence include:

How to Support a Loved One Who Has Experienced Violence?

If you suspect or know that someone close to you has experienced violence, your support can play a crucial role in their recovery.

  • Recognise the situation: Is the violence a one-time event, or is there ongoing threatening, use of force, or other fear-inducing behaviour? Violence can also be psychological, such as continuous control, intimidation, or humiliation. In an acute situation, call the emergency number 112.
  • Listen and talk openly: Give your loved one space to share their experiences without pressure. Avoid blaming or minimising their experiences.
  • Offer practical help: Victims of violence may find it difficult to take the next steps on their own. You can help by finding support services, assisting with practical arrangements, or accompanying them when contacting the authorities. Experiencing violence can cause injuries or shock that mean they may need your help in everyday matters as well.
  • Guide them to support services: Victim Support Finland and other services offer support and advice for victims of violence. Encourage your loved one to seek help, but do not force them.
  • Take care of yourself too: Situations involving violence can also be emotionally demanding for those offering support. Seek help yourself if needed.

When violence targets specific population groups, there may be particular characteristics:

Read More



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