The number of sex crime reports to the police is increasing, and the number of reports has increased by more than 45 percent since 2017.
According to the research conducted by the police for victims, the increase in reports does not necessarily mean an increase in the number of crimes committed, but rather an increase in the number of people reporting them.
In 2017, 1,262 rape reports were made to the police. By 2021, the number had risen to 1,836.
Police said the public debate about sex crimes and their laws has led to an increase in reporting.
"It has certainly affected people’s understanding of what a crime is and what their rights are," Saara AsmundelaThe commissioner of the Central Finland Police Department told Yle.
The sooner a criminal report is made, the better
In recent years, 16 Seri support centers for victims of sexual violence have been established in hospitals across Finland. The centers offer help to victims, and access to treatment does not depend on a criminal report.
About half of the victims who come to Seri centers for treatment report the crime to the police immediately, while half do so within the next year. In most cases, the reason for not reporting the incident is the desire to forget it, according to the police.
If a criminal report is filed, the support centers also help law enforcement authorities, as investigations and statements are made at a high level in the support centers.
"In forensic sampling, reliability and ensuring a careful control chain are really important in terms of the final result," Asmundela said.
However, the sooner a crime is reported after it occurs, the better the chances of solving it.
According to Seri’s staff, only a fraction of those who have experienced sexual violence make it to support centers.
"According to the midwife, the number of people who experience sexual violence is actually much higher than the number of people who come to us for treatment Sanni Saarimaa From Ser. "Fortunately, awareness of Seri support centers and sexual crimes in general has increased, and as a result, people dare to seek treatment more often."
Source: The Nordic Page