Worrying attitudes towards gender-based violence in Finland

A recent survey found that in Finland, one in four men under the age of 35 justifies violence against women based on their behavior or clothing. The data, published by the Coalition of Finnish Women’s Associations (Nytkis), has raised significant concerns about the cultural climate surrounding gender-based violence in the country.

Survey Results

The survey involved over one thousand men aged between 18 and 79. The results show that:

• 25% of men under 35 believe a woman deserves violence based on the way she dresses or behaves.
• Considering all age groups, the percentage drops to 20%. The data were described as “alarming” by Nytkis, who stressed the importance of addressing such attitudes to improve women’s safety in Finnish society.

The situation of violence against women

Official statistics confirm that Finland is among the most dangerous countries for women in the European Union. According to the Finnish Statistics Agency:

• 50% of women between the ages of 16 and 25 have experienced physical violence, threats or sexual violence.
• One in five women reported experiencing serious violence or rape. These data highlight a systemic problem that requires urgent action to educate and raise public awareness.

Towards a cultural change

The growing awareness of misogynistic attitudes is a fundamental step towards change. Addressing these issues requires a collective mobilization of institutions, organizations and citizens. It is essential to promote a culture of respect and equality, so that women can live without fear of violence. The future of Finnish society depends on our ability to address these challenges and build a safer and more inclusive community for all.