Violence in a close relationship

Violence in a close relationship or domestic violence refers to situations where the perpetrator of violence is the victim’s current or former partner, parent, child or other close relative or a person otherwise close to them. Violence in close relationships can be experienced and perpetrated by anyone, regardless of gender.

Intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence refers to violence in a close intimate relationship that targets the perpetrator’s current or former spouse or partner.

Intimate partner violence is particularly harmful to the victim as it occurs in intimate circumstances. It is difficult to break away from intimate partner violence. Shame and guilt can prevent many victims from seeking help and leaving a violent relationship for a long time.

Dating violence

Dating violence is violence specifically in young people’s intimate relationships. It differs from intimate partner violence among adults especially in that the young people may still have undeveloped emotional and cognitive abilities. A young person does not necessarily understand what kind of behaviour should be desired or allowed in a relationship.

Consequences of violence in a close relationship

Violence in a close relationship often has extremely serious mental and physical consequences for the victim. Violence in close relationships or domestic violence may cause physical injuries, psychological symptoms, neglect of basic needs, financial difficulties, social problems or even death.

Violence in a close relationship often affects social relationships, as well. It is said that violence in close relationship has one main target, but many victims. Loved ones, especially children, suffer from domestic violence even if the violence is not targeted directly at them. If a child lives in a family where a family member behaves violently, they are exposed to all harmful effects of violence. Even if physical or other acts of violence are not directed at the child, the violent atmosphere causes fear and insecurity and may expose the child to many physical symptoms, illnesses and other negative developments. Exposure to violence between the child’s family members is as harmful as the child being personally subjected to violence. The development of a child growing up in a violent family can only be secured by intervening in the situation.

You can break the cycle of violence by seeking help

Violence in a close relationship is rarely a one-time occurrence. Unless addressed, domestic violence tends to recur, increase and become more serious. As long as violence remains the secret of a household, an intimate relationship or other close relationship, it will have a life of its own. It will become prolonged and more serious.

It is important to break the cycle of violence so that the violence does not become prolonged or more severe.

The first step in escaping the cycle of violence is talking to someone and seeking help. Talking about your experiences in a situation that seems hopeless makes it possible to get out of the situation.

By drawing up a safety plan together with a Nollalinja employee, you can strengthen your sense of control of the situation. Download the personal safety plan template here (PDF, in Finnish, 565 kB).

The Nollalinja helpline and chat and shelter services help people who have experienced violence in close relationships or are threatened by it and the people close to them, regardless of gender.

Help is also available for people who have targeted domestic violence at others: you can contact organisations’ open services, such as the member associations of the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters or the various activities of the Miessakit Association for men. Call Nollalinja or use the chat service to learn more about various anti-violence services around Finland.