Support for difficult life events

• physical, such as hitting
• mental, such as belittling or calling the other person names
• sexual, such as forced sexual acts
• economic, such as limiting the use of money
• honour-related, such as justifying violence as a means of preserving the honour of the family.

Violence is a crime in Finland, even when it targets a family member. If you experience violence or a threat of violence, you can seek help free of charge.

In the Omatila service, we can help you recognise the signs of violence and to break free from it. You will receive emotional support and advice, and you can participate in professionally guided peer support groups. If necessary, we can arrange accommodation in safe housing or a shelter for battered family members. We also help women who have committed violence. 

If you have young children, you can bring the subject up at the maternity and child health clinic. The staff will help you move forward. 

-> Learn more about Omatila and see its contact details on the website of the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

The WahvaNainen (strong woman) programme provides support for women who have experienced or been threatened with violence. The programme offers psychosocial support, service guidance and advice, as well as help with everyday matters and life changes. The support is especially aimed at immigrant women. You can also participate in groups and receive guidance in multiple languages at Yhteisötalo Espoo (Espoon keskus, Terveyskuja 2 B). For more information, call +358 44 0671419.

• Read more about WahvaNainen activities.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Miehen Linja programme helps men who have used violence or fear they might harm their loved ones. You can also come and talk to us if you need support in navigating your role as a man, father or partner in Finland.

The service is free of charge and available in Finnish, English, French and Greek. We can also use an interpreter if you wish to communicate in your own language. For more information, call +358 9 27662899.

• Read more about Miehen Linja activities(external link, opens in a new window).

Couples’ therapy is a discussion tool for couples who want to improve their relationship. It features discussion with a trained professional. Its aim is to help the couple understand each other, resolve conflicts and strengthen the relationship. Couples’ therapy is available for all couples, even if you don’t have any trouble – it can also help prevent them.

Church in Espoo: family counselling

Evangelical Lutheran parishes provide discussion assistance for relationships, family and life questions. Their services are intended for Espoo residents, regardless of membership in the Church. Family counselling is available in Finnish, Swedish and English. Use of an interpreter is also possible. The service is free of charge.

-> Check out the contact details for family counselling on the Espoo parishes website.(external link, opens in a new window)

LUVN relationship counselling

The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provides individual counselling sessions in relationship matters. You can talk about your situation to a professional and get advice, support and tips for your relationship. They can also tell you about other relationship services. The country refers to this service as ‘A life buoy for your relationship’.

-> Check out the contact information on the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County website.(external link, opens in a new window)

Sometimes conflicts in a relationship can lead to a divorce. Divorce can be applied for by either spouse alone or by both spouses together. You can apply for divorce alone even if your spouse does not want to divorce.

Divorce is sought from the District Court. The court does not examine reasons behind the divorce application. You must apply for divorce in writing. You can file a divorce application with the office of the district court of either your home municipality or your spouse's home municipality. You can also submit the application to the district court’s office by post, telegram or e-mail. You can find the divorce application on the Suomi.fi website.(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish or Swedish)

The divorce application process has two stages.

1. Submit a divorce application.
2. Submit the divorce application again when the six-month reflection period is over.

Divorce is only granted after the second application. Divorce will be granted even if the other spouse opposes it.

Parents are responsible for their child’s wellbeing even after a divorce. Many issues need to be agreed upon, such as the child’s living arrangements. Visitation rights are also arranged so that the child can maintain contact with both parents. Parents are also responsible for the financial maintenance of the child.

The family law services of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provide help with changes in the family's situation, such as divorce or separation. You will receive information on contractual matters and issues related to spending time with your child, their living arrangements and child support.

-> Find contact information for family law services on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

Family social work (social services for families with children) provides help and support for the everyday challenges of families.

Family social work services include

• home services,
• family work,
• social counselling,
• social work and
• support relationship activities.

Family social work involves social workers, social and other counsellors, and family workers. Services are almost always free of charge. Home services for families with children are subject to a fee, unless the family is a child welfare client or receives regular social assistance.

→ See the contact information for family social work on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

You can ask for an interpreter to join the call.

• Learn more about social services for families with children on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about client fees on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

Education and family counselling supports you in raising children, in problematic family situations and in crises. In Espoo, education and family counselling is organised by the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County (LUVN).

Ask for advice if, for example,

• you have concerns about your child’s behaviour.
• the child has difficulties in social relationships.
• your family has gone through a major change or loss.
• there are recurring problems or conflicts in the family.

The service is intended for families with children or young people under the age of 18. You can also receive advice during pregnancy. The service is free of charge.

Families receive guidance related to the development of children and young people, interpersonal relationships and social skills. The work supports the development of family interaction.

• Learn more about child and family counselling on the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County website.(external link, opens in a new window)

If the child or young person has problems with their school or their studies, it is a good idea to discuss them with the guidance counsellor. The school also employs a psychologist or social worker. They help students who have difficulties in school. Psychologists and social workers are part of student welfare.

If a child or young person is bullied at school, the school is obliged to intervene. Report any bullying to a teacher and the principal. Sometimes bullying can be a crime. For example, hitting or stealing are crimes that can also be reported to the police.

Child welfare helps families when other means are not sufficient. Child welfare supports families through outpatient care, for example through family work. The objective of outpatient care is to make the family’s everyday life easier. Sometimes, more help is needed. In this case, child welfare services can arrange alternative care for the child.

In Finland, it is a crime to hit or punish the child with violence. Violence scares the child and hinders their development. If a parent uses violence against a child or young person, the child or young person can ask for help from a school nurse, a family counselling centre or a Finnish Red Cross Youth Centre.

• Learn more about student welfare on the Western Uusimaa Well-being Services County website.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about services for families with children in several languages on the Lastensuojelu.info website.(external link, opens in a new window)

• Read here what kind of support a child or youth can receive to start school.
• OmaPerhe.fi: Information for families(external link, opens in a new window).

The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provides mental health and substance abuse services for young people aged 13 and older. You can call us or visit us at the Kivenlahti health centre without an appointment. We will assess your need for services and provide guidance.

-> Information on mental health support for young people, including contact details.(external link, opens in a new window)

Parishes in Espoo arrange walk-in therapy for 16–29-year-olds. You can just drop by without an appointment or book an appointment in advance. The service is provided in simple Finnish and English.

You can talk about the following topics at the walk-in therapy:

• relationships
• studies, work
• mental health and related difficulties
• life crises and perseverance
• big and small worries.

-> Find the service’s contact information and opening hours(external link, opens in a new window) on the Espoo Parish Union's website.

Walk-in therapy is not for treating mental illnesses. It does not replace healthcare’s mental health services. Walk-in therapy is anonymous and free of charge.

The new environment will affect family members in different ways and change their roles. Parents and children must learn a new language and new customs. Children often learn the language faster than their parents. Sometimes, they know how to act outside the home better than their parents. This may affect the role of children in the family.

In Finland, women study and work outside the home. When a woman who has moved to Finland studies or works outside the home, it could change previous roles in the family.

Sometimes, parents have their own challenges that prevent them from supporting their children. You can discuss your family’s situation confidentially with a social worker. An open discussion helps resolve conflicts.

Adaptation to a new culture may be felt as strong emotion fluctuations. Sometimes life in a new country feels good, but sometimes different values and lifestyles can cause loneliness and homesickness. You can discuss these feelings confidentially with a public health nurse or social worker, for example. Other immigrants can also share these experiences.

Cultural differences can sometimes cause problems within the family. Problems can be related to friends, dating or clothing. Parents might expect girls to behave differently from boys. It is important to talk about these things in the family. A young person has the right to ask why the parents expect them to behave in a certain way. No culture or religion shall restrict the fundamental rights of children and young people.

In Espoo, young girls can find counselling at Tyttöjen talo.(external link, opens in a new window)

Always ask the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for advice on residence permits first.

In Espoo, the Hello Espoo Info also provides advice on basic matters related to residence permits. The exception to this is family reunification, which often requires advice from a lawyer. If you are applying for Finnish citizenship, you will be expected to handle the process on your own.

• For more information on residence permits and contact details, see the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about the challenges related to residence permits on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
• See the contact information for Hello Espoo in several languages.

Contact mental health services if you have fears, anxiety or depression or if you suffer from another mental health problem. Please seek help as soon as possible so that your problems do not get worse.

-> See the open hours and contact information on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

MIELI ry's Crisis Helpline provides confidential and anonymous chat assistance to people in crisis. Talking to someone on the crisis telephone helps in a difficult situation and makes you feel better. The goal of the crisis telephone is to prevent suicides. Crisis Helpline offers assistance in Finnish, Swedish and English.

-> See the contact details for Mieli ry’s Crisis Helpline here(external link, opens in a new window).

Mielenterveystalo.fi is an online service that provides mental health information. You can find symptom surveys, self-care programmes and online therapy in the service. In addition to Finnish and Swedish, some of the content has been translated into English, Russian and Ukrainian.

• Explore Mielenterveystalo.fi in multiple languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Check out the Therapy Navigator(external link, opens in a new window) in Finnish, Swedish and English.

Learn more:

• Learn more about mental health and how to take care of it on InfoFinland.fi.(external link, opens in a new window)

You do not need to deal with intoxicant difficulties or substance addiction on your own. Intoxicants include alcohol, drugs and misused medicines. You can also be addicted to gambling or sex, for example.

• Visit the Substance use and addictions website, which provides support for mild substance abuse and addiction issues in 11 languages.(external link, opens in a new window) 

If you need advice, you can call the free-of-charge substance abuse helpline, tel. +358 800 90045, run by Ehyt ry (Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention). The service is available 24/7. You can get help and answers in Finnish and English if you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s substance use.

For mild challenges, young people primarily get support from their school’s nurse, psychologist or social worker.

The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN) provides help for adults and young people aged 13–17. You will receive guidance and counselling as well as a personal treatment plan.

-> See the open hours and contact information on the website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County.(external link, opens in a new window)

Further information:

• Explore the Päihdelinkki website in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about getting help for substance addiction on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)