UNICEF report claims many Finnish children experience domestic violence
Numbers in Finland worse than in other Nordic countries
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Children in Finland have been found to be exposed to violence in the home more frequently than children in other Nordic Countries, according to a study conducted by UNICEF, and financed by the international cosmetics retail chain The Body Shop.
Exposure to violence includes situations in which the child is a witness to violent acts taking place in the home - whether or not the child is the direct victim.
According to the report, called Behind Closed Doors, 61,000 children - about five percent of the total number of children in Finland - experience domestic violence. The corresponding number in Sweden is 46,000, in Denmark it is 22,000, in Iceland it is 2,000 and in Norway it is estimated at between 38,000 and 68,000.
The numbers are based on an extensive UN study on violence faced by children. The full study will be completed in the autumn.
UNICEF points out that the figures are just estimates. The numbers are based on information provided by officials of each country on recorded cases of domestic violence. The researchers worked under the assumption that in 60 percent of cases, a child is either a witness, or direct victim of domestic violence.
With some countries, such as Norway, the figures also include estimates put out by non-governmental organisations. In Finland as well, there have been estimates of much greater exposure of children to violence, with numbers as high as 200,000.
UNICEF feels that 61,000 children is too much.
"For a child to see violence, maintains the cycle of violence", notes Inka Hetemäki, programme director of the Finnish UNICEF organisation. According to the study, children who have experienced violence are at greater risk of becoming either victims or perpetrators of violence as adults.
Hetemäki feels that violence needs to be discussed in schools. Officials and those working with children also need to be trained to recognise symptoms exhibited by children, and to take appropriate action.
A programme of action at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on preventing domestic violence has the same aim. "Family violence is a difficult subject, which has been hushed up. It is unpleasant, and awakens anguish even among professionals", notes Helena Ewalds of the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health.
Inka Hetemäki points out that if there is no discussion on the matter, children can easily grow up with the impression that violence is normal.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 15.8.2006 - TODAY |
 UNICEF report claims many Finnish children experience domestic violence |
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