The Seri Support Centre estimates that centralising the service has lowered the threshold for seeking help.
A centralised service for victims of sexual violence has proven to be necessary in Päijät-Häme. At the beginning of the year, a Seri Support Centre was set up at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, offering multidisciplinary help in a concentrated way instead of having separate helpers.
– I don’t really think that sexual offences have started to increase now for some reason, but it may be easier to seek treatment.
Sulonen recalls that the legislation on sexual offences was tightened at the beginning of the year.
– The reform further strengthens everyone’s right to sexual self-determination and integrity. The most important change in the sexual crime legislation is that the definition of rape is based on consent, i.e. that no is no, he emphasizes.
The Convention obliges the service to
The support unit is intended for everyone over the age of 16, regardless of gender.
The Seri support center is at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital in connection with the obstetrics and gynecology emergency room. The center has its own telephone number, which is always answered by a midwife. He advises and, if necessary, contacts other helpers.
The police can also refer a victim of a sexual crime to the Seri Center for help. The center’s contact information can be found on Päijät-Sote’s website.
The operation of Seri support centers is based on the Council of Europe Convention, the so-called Istanbul Agreement. The agreement obliges EU countries to establish easily accessible support centers for victims of sexual violence.
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