The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) published its first evaluation report on Finland on 2 September 2019. The report analyses the implementation of the provisions of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in Finland.

MFA - Press releases, 2.9.2019

The Council of Europe evaluates violence against women and domestic violence in Finland

The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) published its first evaluation report on Finland on 2 September 2019. The report analyses the implementation of the provisions of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in Finland.

GREVIO acknowledges the many measures that have already been made or are in process. GREVIO considers the adoption of the Action Plan for the Istanbul Convention (2018–2021) as an indication of political will to implement the Convention. GREVIO also mentions the appointment of the Committee for Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (NAPE) and the opening of a 24-hour telephone service called Nollalinja. In addition, GREVIO notes with appreciation the progress made in the provision of services for victims and commends the comprehensive reform of the legislation concerning sexual offences. 

At the same time, GREVIO points out that several issues, including especially matters concerning the training of professionals, need to be addressed. According to GREVIO, this involves difficulties in dealing with all forms of violence against women and in issuing restraining orders. GREVIO pays particular attention to the position of children and to questions relating to the issuance of residence permits. In GREVIO’s evaluation report, other matters of central importance relating to the implementation of the Istanbul Convention include strengthening of the gendered perspective, compliance with the prohibition of discrimination, and the victim-oriented approach. Furthermore, GREVIO considers that Finland needs to ensure that sufficient resources are available for work to combat violence against women and to support organisations in their work as well as to ensure that data are collected and victims are supported, for example.

This is the first evaluation report on Finland. GREVIO made an evaluation visit to Finland in autumn 2018.

The GREVIO report will be transmitted to the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention.  The Committee may issue recommendations on how Finland should implement the views presented in GREVIO's evaluation report.

Inquiries: Satu Sistonen, Legal Counsellor, Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions, tel. +358 295 351 789

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the formatfirstname.lastname@formin.fi

GREVIO report