Victims of Sexual Crimes Have Harsh Experiences with the Police
Victims of sexual crimes in Finland report feeling disrespected and unheard by the police, experiencing a lack of seriousness in how their cases are handled.
In Finland, a survey reveals that many victims of sexual crimes have had negative experiences with police, expressing feelings of injustice regarding the handling of their cases. Victims reported that their testimonies were not taken seriously, with many feeling they were not listened to or treated with respect. Moreover, police questioning was perceived as accusatory rather than supportive, contributing further to their distress.
The negative impressions extend to victims of violent crimes as well, with feedback indicating a perceived lack of effectiveness in police actions. Many respondents noted that their cases were not pursued adequately or sometimes not processed at all. The Police Barometer study, which was conducted in late 2022 with responses from over four thousand individuals, highlighted that a small proportion of respondents were victims of such crimes, yet their experiences are significant in shaping perceptions of law enforcement.
Researcher Matti Vuorensyrjä emphasized the importance of these victims' experiences, as they highlight systemic issues in police practices and the need for reform. These experiences can discourage future victims from seeking help and reporting crimes, ultimately impacting the overall effectiveness of the justice system in addressing sexual and violent crimes.