Every adult is responsible for ensuring that children can live without violence – Action plan guides violence prevention in Finland
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has published the Non-Violent Childhoods Action Plan for 2026–2033 aimed at preventing all forms of violence against children. Senior researchers Sanna Herkama and Tiina Turunen from the INVEST flagship were also involved in drafting the plan
The plan, which will be implemented at the government level, is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Lanzarote Convention and national statutes that require all forms of violence against children to be combated.
The plan includes 27 measures in five thematic areas focusing on knowledge base development, multidisciplinary cooperation and legislation, inclusion, domestic and sexual violence prevention, and safety outside the home and in digital environments.
Herkama and Turunen focused on issues related to bullying as their area of special expertise. Throughout the process, they strongly emphasized the importance of research-based knowledge and the type of funding needed to ensure its effective implementation.
A good knowledge base is required
Preventing violence against children calls for a comprehensive and high-quality knowledge base. In Finland, the foundation for anti-violence work is based on school surveys, data and statistics from official registers, and information collected by the authorities.
One of the action plan’s objectives is to ensure the continuity of key violence-related surveys, such as the Child Victim Survey. This is also vital for supporting ethically sustainable decision-making.
Violence experienced by children is harmful
According to the results of surveys such as the School Health Promotion study, far too many children in Finland still experience domestic violence in their daily lives. Reports to the police indicate that the number of cases related to domestic violence is on the rise. All adults and communities are responsible for ensuring that children can live safely and free from violence in various growth and operating environments. It is essential to raise societal awareness of this issue and strive to ensure that all operators – from educators to authorities and experts – work together towards a shared goal.
In addition to preventing violence, it is important to provide support and assistance to those who have already experienced it. Support must be easily available, and it must be provided early to any children, young people and parents who need it.