If you are experiencing violence or are using violence against someone, you can seek support and assistance through the Domestic Violence Team in Finspång Municipality.

Violence in close relationships exists throughout society and is a criminal offence. The person who subjects someone else to violence is responsible for what happens. Being subjected to or witnessing violence by seeing, hearing or being in the same home where violence occurs can lead to many consequences, both physical and psychological.

Children in families where violence occurs are victims of crime. They see and hear more than we might think and need support to process what they have experienced. Children who live in families with violence are also at risk of being subjected to violence themselves.

Threats and violence can take many forms.

Our definition of violence is: “Any act directed at another person that causes harm, pain, fear or violation and leads the person to do something against their will or refrain from doing something they want to do.”

Violence can take many forms. Examples include:

• Physical violence: pushing, hitting, kicking, restraining
• Psychological violence: verbal abuse, controlling behaviour, threats
• Sexual violence: forcing someone into sexual activities against their will
• Material violence: destruction of personal belongings
• Neglect: deliberately giving incorrect medication or insufficient food, or leaving someone without help or supervision for long periods

If you use violence, Finspång Municipality can offer you:

• Someone who listens and helps you map the problems
• Support to identify alternative patterns and strategies so you can take responsibility for your actions. This can be provided through individual or group counselling

If you are subjected to violence, Finspång Municipality can offer you:

• Practical support
• An opportunity to talk about and process your experiences in a safe environment, either individually or in a group
• Information about common reactions when living in or having left a violent relationship
• Support to understand your own feelings, needs and thoughts
• The knowledge that you are not alone in having experienced or currently living in a violent relationship
• Support for children and young people through individual counselling or Trappan sessions (a structured model for crisis support)

Domestic Violence Team

The Domestic Violence Team in Finspång Municipality works to ensure that everyone can live in relationships free from violence. The team consists of professional counsellors. All support is free of charge.

Social support – Advice and guidance

You can receive support and help through the advice and guidance services. You can apply for sheltered housing through the Social Services reception. In an emergency, call the police at 112. The Domestic Violence Team provides counselling individually or in groups. The support is free of charge.