Domestic violence and sexual crimes are the most common reasons for seeking support from Victim Support Finland (RIKU). In 2024, RIKU provided assistance to a total of 30,800 clients across its various services. Among them, 6,700 sought help due to domestic violence, and 4,700 reached out for support related to sexual crimes. The number of clients seeking help for these issues was higher than ever before, reinforcing the significance of RIKU’s focus on these forms of victimisation.
However, 2024 was also a year of financial challenges for RIKU. Due to funding uncertainties, the number of personnel providing core services decreased by approximately six percent, from 64 to 60 full-time equivalents. As a result, the total number of clients decreased slightly by two percent compared to the previous year (31,500 in 2023).
“Due to resource constraints, the continuous growth in client numbers over the past decade came to a halt. Unfortunately, we were unable to assist as many crime victims as before. However, the client reduction was not as significant as the decrease in personnel resources. This is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff and volunteers,” says RIKU’s Executive Director, Leena-Kaisa Åberg.
Despite the overall reduction in client numbers, some services experienced increased demand. RIKUchat, an online chat service on the riku.fi website, assisted 5,400 clients—ten percent more than the previous year (4,900). The increase coincided with extended service hours introduced in April 2024. Conversely, the Rikosuhripäivystys 116 006 helpline saw a ten percent decline in calls, with 7,500 clients compared to 8,300 the previous year. This decrease followed the reduction of the helpline’s operating hours in April. Meanwhile, 9,900 clients received counseling and support through support relationships, slightly fewer than the 10,100 in 2023. The number of clients receiving assistance through the Specialized service for victims of human trafficking remained stable at 1,400.
Adapting to Financial Constraints and Structural Changes
To adjust to funding reductions and rising operational costs, RIKU is restructuring its organisation and services. These adjustments involve structural changes, service limitations, and streamlining operations to ensure the most critical support remains available.
One major change is the reduction in the number of service points. At the beginning of 2025, RIKU operates with 24 service points, down from 31. Four of the closed locations were previously operating without dedicated local personnel. Additionally, some changes to the service structure are being implemented in Southern Finland.
RIKU’s service points are administratively part of regional offices. From 2025 onward, the number of regional offices has been reduced to six, following the merger of the former Lapland and Northern Finland offices into a single Lapland and Northern Finland regional office.
While every effort was made to minimise the impact on staff, the adjustments did result in personnel reductions affecting a small number of employees. The core service model remains largely unchanged, but certain operational activities, such as regular in-person support at shelters and police stations (known as the Visitor service), are being phased out.
Throughout spring 2025, RIKU will assess the content and scope of client services to optimize support for victims. A new internal development project will be launched to improve service efficiency, with a focus on enhancing digital solutions to reach and assist victims more effectively.
Funding and Financial Outlook
RIKU’s primary funding sources include the Ministry of Justice and the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA). The organization’s core operations are mainly financed through state grants from the Ministry of Justice, particularly for providing general victim support services in line with the EU Victims’ Rights Directive. RIKU also receives some funding from municipalities and regional wellbeing counties.
For 2025, the Ministry of Justice has allocated a core grant of €4,735,000, a slight reduction from the €4,800,000 granted in 2024. Over the past few years, the baseline funding level has not kept pace with increasing operational costs. In 2024, an additional €200,000 one-time grant from the Finnish Parliament helped stabilise core services. For 2025, the Parliament has granted a special allocation of €150,000, enabling RIKU to continue its witness support services and strengthen support for domestic violence victims.
Despite financial constraints, RIKU remains committed to providing high-quality support for victims of crime. By focusing on domestic violence and sexual crimes in 2025, the organisation aims to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need, even in challenging financial circumstances.
