HUS developed a model for Seri Support Centers for victims of sexual assault

Victims of sexual assault often lack support. In addition, the interim report of the HUS Seri Support Center showed that more than half of victims of sexual assault had previous experiences of violence, and their mortality was dozens of times higher than those of the same age group.

HUS developed the model of the Seri Support Centers, of which there are now 18 across Finland. At the Centers, victims of sexual assault receive psychological and social support, as well as help with criminal proceedings and reporting offences.

Research results from the Seri project have been utilized

• in the development of the services of the Seri Support Center Network,
• in expert opinions on sexual crime legislation reform work,
• in developing multidisciplinary cooperation with the police, social welfare authorities, psychologists and healthcare staff; and
• in strengthening peer support groups and legal advice.

The objective of the research project is to prevent sexual violence, protect those at risk, reduce the vulnerability of victims, and target treatment and support measures properly.

Learn more about the Seri study

HUS, THL, Åbo Akademi, the Police and the National Prosecution Authority are involved in the research
Research project director: Riina Korjamo, Senior Ward Physician, MD, Chief Physician at Seri Support Center, HUS
Basic project information on the Harnessing Knowledge website
Seri Study interim report