Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Paimio is handled under the national Finnish legal framework and local public services. Criminal acts such as assault, threats, coercion, harassment and sexual offences are prosecuted according to the Finnish Penal Code regardless of where they occur. Municipal services in Paimio - including social services, child welfare and local health care - work with police and national victim support organisations to provide immediate help, shelter and longer-term support. If you are in immediate danger, the police and emergency services respond and can take urgent measures to secure your safety.
Domestic violence cases often involve several legal areas at the same time - criminal law, family law, child protection, housing and compensation claims. A lawyer can help you in many ways:
- Explain your rights and the likely legal steps after you report an incident to the police.
- Help apply for protective measures such as a restraining order - in Finnish called a "lähestymiskielto" - and advise on how these function in practice.
- Represent you in criminal proceedings, or support you as a private claimant to ensure your views and evidence are presented to the prosecutor and court.
- Advise and represent you in family law matters that often follow domestic violence - for example separation, divorce, child custody, visitation and housing disputes.
- Help apply for state victim compensation and claims for damages against the perpetrator.
- Assist with evidence preservation and coordinating medical, social and police reports.
Key legal points relevant to domestic violence in Paimio include:
- Criminal prosecution: Acts of physical violence, threats, coercion, sexual offences and stalking are prosecutable offences under the Finnish Penal Code. Police investigate reported crimes and the prosecutor decides on charges.
- Protective measures: Victims can seek a restraining order - "lähestymiskielto" - to prohibit contact or approaching. Police and courts can take urgent steps to protect victims, and in some situations a perpetrator can be removed from the shared home to protect safety.
- Child welfare: If children are affected, Paimio child welfare services - "lastensuojelu" - assess risks and can impose protective measures to safeguard the child. Parental behaviour that endangers a child may lead to urgent interventions.
- Family law consequences: Domestic violence is an important factor in divorce, custody and visitation decisions. Courts weigh the safety and best interests of children when determining custody and access arrangements.
- Victim compensation: Victims of violent crimes can apply for state compensation for physical and psychological harm. This is handled through the national victim compensation system.
- Confidentiality and data: Authorities generally handle reports and personal information confidentially. Mandatory reporting rules apply in specific situations, for example where children are at risk.
Report the incident to the police - you can contact local police or call the emergency number in immediate danger. Police will take a statement, document injuries and start an investigation. You can also inform social services, who can help with immediate safety and shelter options.
A restraining order - in Finnish "lähestymiskielto" - prohibits the alleged perpetrator from contacting or approaching you. You should tell the police you want a restraining order when you report the incident. The prosecutor or court can issue one. A lawyer or victim support organisation can assist with applications and follow-up.
Yes. In urgent situations police can take measures to ensure safety, which may include removing the alleged perpetrator from the shared residence and keeping them away for a period. The precise measure depends on the facts and the police assessment of risk.
The police investigate, but the prosecutor decides whether to press charges. In many violent domestic cases prosecutors act even if the victim prefers not to pursue the matter. You still have rights as a victim to be heard and to receive information about the case.
If it is safe, seek medical attention and ask for a written medical report. Keep clothing, photos of injuries, messages and other relevant items. Write down a clear record of events, dates and witnesses as soon as you can. A lawyer or victim support worker can advise on evidence handling.
Courts prioritise the best interests and safety of the child. Evidence of domestic violence can affect custody, care arrangements and visitation. Child welfare authorities can also act quickly if children are at risk. Legal advice is important when seeking protective arrangements for children.
Victims can apply for state victim compensation for harms caused by crimes. You may also seek compensation directly from the perpetrator through civil claims. Social services can advise about emergency housing support and benefit entitlements in the short term.
You can contact the local legal aid office for information about public legal aid if you have limited means. Private lawyers who specialise in criminal law or family law can represent you; local bar associations and victim support organisations can help with referrals.
Yes. Finland provides a legal aid system for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Eligibility depends on income and the matter in question. Legal aid can cover advice, negotiations and court representation in many domestic violence related cases.
Victim support organisations provide counselling, practical help and court accompaniment. Social services can offer housing, child protection and welfare support. Police, prosecutors and courts also have victim services that keep victims informed about case progress and protections.
Available help in Paimio and nationally includes:
- Local police and emergency services for immediate danger.
- Paimio municipal social services and child welfare for safety planning and long-term support.
- National victim support organisations and counselling services that assist crime victims with practical and emotional support.
- Women and men specific helplines and shelters that provide crisis support and temporary housing.
- Legal aid offices for information on free or subsidised legal assistance.
- The national victim compensation scheme for claims related to injury caused by crime.
- Local health care services for medical treatment and documentation of injuries.
If you need legal assistance relating to domestic violence, consider this practical sequence:
- If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services right away.
- Report the incident to the police and ask for a written report of the incident.
- Seek medical care and obtain documentation of injuries.
- Contact local social services in Paimio for safety planning, housing help and child welfare support if children are involved.
- Reach out to victim support organisations for counselling and practical assistance, including court accompaniment.
- Consider legal advice early - contact a lawyer or the legal aid office to discuss restraining orders, criminal reporting, custody issues and compensation claims.
- Keep records - save messages, photos, medical reports and a timeline of events.
- If finances are a concern, ask about legal aid and emergency social support from your municipality.
Getting practical help and legal advice quickly improves safety and preserves options for legal remedies. You do not need to manage this alone - local authorities and national organisations are there to assist.
