Gender-based violence (GBV) exists in every society and culture. It is a global public health concern and a violation of human rights that significantly affects the safety, health, and wellbeing of women and girls (WHO 2023). Refugee women have often been exposed to multiple forms of gender-based violence, and studies show that their migration status places them at a significantly higher risk of becoming victims of such violence (Wells, Freudenberg & Levander 2019, 9, 17). In Finland, women with foreign backgrounds experience violence two to three times more often than Finnish-born women, and their risk of being raped is almost twice as high (KPMG Oy Ab 2018, 11, 13).

Barriers to recognition and disclosure

Despite its prevalence, GBV often goes unnoticed—especially when the client remains silent. Silence is not proof that violence has not occurred. Many migrant women may view violence as a normalized part of life, making it difficult to recognize or disclose. Cultural taboos, fear, shame, and a lack of trust in authorities can prevent them from speaking out, but professionals in social and healthcare services may also hesitate to ask. Fear of retraumatizing the client or not knowing how to respond can lead to missed opportunities to intervene. Even though international treaties require states to protect and support girls and women subjected to violence, implementing this support is often difficult. One of the major issues is that violence against refugee women frequently goes undetected (Kyllönen-Saarnio & Nurmi 2005, 3).

Why identification remains difficult?

Recognition is difficult—but for understandable reasons. Many professionals reported uncertainty about whether they could or should ask a client about violence. Language barriers, challenges related to interpretation, cultural differences, and the desire to protect the client often lead professionals to avoid the topic altogether. Most importantly, GBV is not always visible. There may be no physical signs, and violence can manifest through withdrawal, fear, or silence—behaviors that are easily overlooked in a busy work environment.

Structural and emotional barriers

The findings of my thesis study confirm what national and international studies have also shown: the barriers to identifying and addressing GBV are not only about individual competence but are closely tied to systemic and structural factors (Wells, Freudenberg & Levander 2019; THL 2023; GREVIO 2024). Structural and time-related challenges in everyday practice prevent professionals from addressing the issue effectively. There is rarely sufficient time allocated to address the issue of violence, and the high-paced nature of everyday work often prevents professionals from engaging in the kind of consistent, trust-building interaction that the topic requires. Disclosures of GBV are seldom immediate; rather, they typically emerge through ongoing dialogues, something that short, time-pressured encounters rarely allow. Responsibilities related to GBV are often unclear, and professionals may lack an understanding of the client’s care pathway or available support services. This uncertainty means that even motivated professionals may not know where to refer a client or who should take the next step. Without clearly defined procedures and coordination, client support remains fragmented and fragile.

Emotional load of the work

The emotional burden of GBV work was also a prominent theme in my study. Supporting a survivor requires emotional flexibility, ethical sensitivity, and strong presence—but it can also evoke feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and fear. Without peer support or supervision, professionals may be left alone with ethically complex situations. Respondents called for stronger structures to support their mental wellbeing and to enable safe, sustainable practice in the long term.

Practices that support survivors

Still, supporting survivors is not hopeless. Many professionals described efforts to build safety and trust. Being present, listening without judgment, and creating a respectful relationship laid the groundwork for conversations about violence. These core skills can facilitate recovery and help clients accept support. However, these efforts alone are not enough.

Need for clear models and coordination

Professionals also need clear referral pathways and up-to-date knowledge of available services. Many respondents felt unsure about where to direct clients or how to ensure follow-up care. This aligns with recommendations from GREVIO (2024) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL 2023), which both emphasize the importance of building a stronger foundation for GBV work. According to GREVIO, Finland should improve intersectoral coordination, ensure compulsory training for professionals, invest in long-term funding, and increase culturally appropriate services. Special attention should be given to minority women, continuity of care, and the ability of frontline professionals to respond with confidence and consistency.

Conclusions

Gender-based violence is not a marginal issue. It affects a significant portion of women in Finland—whether born here or elsewhere. This is why every professional working in health and social services must feel they have the permission, competence, and responsibility to raise the issue of violence. No client should remain invisible. No professional should be left alone.

This article is made as a part of Soininen’s thesis called Gender-based violence among refugees, challenges, support, and competence encountered by professionals. Soininen has studied in the Master’s program in Global Public Health. The Master program deals with health issues that have a global perspective. Students come from social and health sector.

Authors:

Kirsi Soininen, Master of Global Public Health, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Maria Luojus, Principal lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

References:

GREVIO 2024. Baseline Evaluation Report Finland. Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Council of Europe. Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/grevio. Accessed 19.4.2025.

KPMG Oy Ab 2018. Report on violence experienced by women and girls with asylum-seeker background in Finland. Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities publication 60/2018. Helsinki: Prime Minister’s Office. Available at: https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/161178. Accessed 19.4.2025.

Kyllönen-Saarnio, E. & Nurmi, R. 2005. Maahanmuuttajanaiset ja väkivalta: Opas sosiaali- ja terveysalan auttamistyöhön. Helsinki: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry of Labour, Monika-Naiset liitto ry. [In Finnish].

THL 2023. Preventing and identifying violence in health and social care. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Available at: https://www.thl.fi. Accessed 19.4.2025.

WHO 2023. Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int. Accessed 19.4.2025.

Wells, R., Freudenberg, N. and Levander, X. 2019. Professionals’ responses to gender-based violence among refugee populations: Barriers and recommendations. Journal of Social Work, 19(1), pp. 9–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017317740617. Accessed 19.4. 2025.