Sexual offences reported to the Helsinki Police Department have increased by more than 50 percent in two years

Sexual offencesreported to the Helsinki Police Department have increased by more than 50 percent in two years, and rapes by more than 60 percent.

The new legislation on sexual offences entered into force in 2023, changing the definitions and classifications of crimes. The changes were expected to increase the number of criminal cases. Therefore, direct comparisons can only be made from 2023 onwards.

"Sexual offences reported to the Helsinki Police Department have continued to increase significantly even after the comprehensive reform of legislation on sexual offences. The new legislation on sexual offences brought new types of offences within the scope of criminal liability, which has certainly contributed to the increase in the number of sexual offenses," estimates Senior Detective Superintendent Jari Illukka.

Based on data from January to October, the number of sexual offences reported to the Helsinki Police Department is expected to increase by 55 percent from 2023. The increase in rapes is 68 percent. 

Sexual offences reported to the Helsinki Police Department 2023–2025

Foreign suspects account for approximately 33 percent of all sexual offences in Helsinki and approximately 40 percent of rapes. There has been no change in this overrepresentation in recent years.

For other sexual offenses, the most common crime category is sexual harassment. sexual harassment was expanded to include sexual acts in addition to physical contact in the new legislation on sexual offences. Sexual harassment accounted for 22 percent of all sexual offencesin 2024. A total of 251 criminal reports were filed, which is double the number in 2022, when the old sexual offences law was in force.

The most common suspected sexual offense is the consensual rape of an adult

Suspected sexual offences often involve a poor understanding of the boundaries of one's own and another person's sexual self-determination. It is less common for the boundaries of another person's self-determination to be consciously and deliberately violated.

A recurring challenge in investigating suspected sexual offencesbased on consent is that the complainant does not show up for questioning or is no longer interested in investigating the matter with the police after filing the report.

"In the initial stages, a suspected sexual offense is based on the complainant's subjective perception of the offense and its perpetrator. Basically, only the complainant can say how, when, where, and by whom their sexual self-determination has been violated," reminds Senior Detective Superintendent Jari Illukka.

It is difficult to determine after the fact whether consent was given to sexual intercourse. Sexual offencesare serious and socially reprehensible crimes, which is why aspects related to the suspect's legal protection must also be taken into account.

Report suspected sexual offencesto the police as soon as possible

In acute situations, always call the emergency number 112! The police will then file a report, take the victim for a sexual assault examination, and may be able to apprehend the suspect quickly.

Reporting the crime to the police quickly is essential for gathering evidence and investigating the crime.

Victims of sexual violence in Helsinki can get help around the clock at the Seri Support Center at the Women's Hospital. Those under the age of 16 are treated at the emergency room of the New Children's Hospital. HUS services include forensic sampling, an overall assessment of the situation, sexually transmitted disease testing, psychological support for coping with the first few days and recovering from the traumatic experience, and a follow-up treatment plan.

More info:

• Seri Support Center for Victims of Sexual Assault | HUS 
• Sex offences - Police