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Tarvitsen apua (hero) ENG

I need help

Anyone can become a victim of a crime. You should talk about it to at least one person and always ask for help if you believe a crime has taken place.

Two young cartoon characters.

Tarvitsen apua (linkkilista)

Poliisi (tarvitsen apua, linkki) ENG

Police of Finland

If you have been the victim of a crime, the police are an important official in dealing with the matter.

In an emergency, call the emergency number 112.

You can report a crime online or at any police station.

Police officers working on social media can be found here.

Rikosuhripäivystys (tarvitsen apua sivu)

Victim Support Finland (RIKU)

Victim Support Finland (RIKU) offers support and practical advice if you have become a victim of crime or are concerned for someone else. RIKU can be contacted via RIKUchat or by calling.

Nuorten Exit (tarvitsen apua sivu, linkki)

Nuorten Exit (website in Finnish)

Support and information for 13-29 year olds who have experienced sexual violence and harassment. Meetings are free of charge and are conducted remotely.

Netari (tarvitsen apua sivun linkki)

Netari - online youth house

Welcome to Save the Children’s online youth house Netari! – here you can find support and safe spaces online.

Nettivihje (tarvitsen apua sivun linkki)

Finnish Hotline Nettivihje (Save the Children Finland)

Report materials suspected as illegal child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or related activities online.

Testaa tietosi: Avun hakeminen ja rikosilmoitus ENG

Test your knowledge: Seeking help and filling out a police report

You shouldn't talk to a school social worker because they will talk to your parents.

FALSE

School social workers have duty of confidentiality and conversations with them are confidential.

However, according to Child Welfare Act school social workers are parties who have a legal requirement to fill out a child welfare notification or a police report if it is necessary. A child welfare notice is filled when an underage person's welfare is in danger. School social worker is required to inform police if a young person is a victim of violence or a sexual offence. 

Don't let this stop you from talking to a school social worker. It is their job to make sure the matter is handled in a way that it causes no harm to you. They will also tell you how different situations should be handled.

I have been in a distressing situation but I don't know if it is a crime so I can't ask for help.

FALSE

This is completely untrue. You don't need to know whether something is a crime or what crime it is to ask for help. Easiest way is to contact a help organization for example through a chat. You will be directed to contact police if needed.

Parents always get angry when I tell them something serious.

TRUE AND FALSE

Parents are usually very worried about their children and things that concern their own children cause big feelings. Some parents also don't completely understand the world of children and young people. Still, don't give up and demand that the parents listen, take things seriously and ask for help. If it doesn't work out with parents or legal guardians it is no way your fault. In that case contact other reliable adult or an organization.

I filled out a police report but now I no longer want to take the case forward. There is nothing I can do.

FALSE

Police have an obligation to investigate possible crimes that have come to their attention even if the parties of the crimes wouldn't want it or changed their minds. Prosecutor also has the requirement to take the case forward if is serious enough. With certain offences (complainant offences) charges won't be brought and the investigation is ended if the victim doesn't want to take the case forward.

With people under the age of 18 the parents can also demand that the case is taken forward even if the child or young person doesn't want it to. 

I have committed or witnessed a crime but I am afraid to tell anyone because I am worried about the consequences.

IF YOU ANSWERED TRUE

Contact a help organization anonymously. You will be told what you should do in the situation.

I am a minor and I have been a victim of a crime. If I contact an organization anonymously, I can decide myself if the case is taken to police.

TRUE AND FALSE

If you contact an organization anonymously it is very difficult to find out who you are and therefore the matter is handled primarily by talking. 

According to Child Welfare Act organizations are among the actors who also have the legal requirement to fill out a child welfare notice or a police report if necessary. A child welfare notice is filled if the welfare if a minor is in danger. A police report is filled if a minor has experienced a crime. 

Don't let this stop you from talking. You will be told how different situations should be handled.

Have you been in a distressing situation, possibly been a victim of a crime, witnessed a crime, experienced sexual abuse or threat of violence or committed a crime?

If you answered yes or hesitated ask for help!

Don't play down your experience but demand help. Contact a safe adult or the following organizations:

Tarvitsen apua ("Ei se ole niin vakavaa") ENG

"It is not that serious"

When you should talk

Only the person who has experienced something can know how it feels. Do not downplay your experience. 

Tell a reliable adult if:

  • Something you have experienced keeps bothering you,
  • you feel that there was something off about a thing that happened even if you do not know what or can't put it to words or
  • something has happened to you that even might meet the definition of a crime.

If an adult gets angry or downplays your experience disregard it and speak to another adult.