Preventing harassment and abuse - Safeguarding
Caritas Finland and the Catholic Diocese of Finland have jointly created a joint process to protect individuals. The report can be made either under one’s own name or anonymously. At the same time, instructions on how to get help and support if cases of abuse occur have been updated.
Caritas Finland follows the anti-harassment guidelines of its global umbrella organization, Caritas Internationalis. According to these, all Caritas employees around the world are committed to creating a professional working environment that is free from intimidation, hostility, humiliation, bullying, violence or other offenses that may interfere with work performance or the dignity of the individual. Harassment of any kind – verbal, physical, visual – is not tolerated. Unwanted harassment includes harassment based on race, color, religion, philosophical or political ideologies, gender, age, national origin or descent, disability, illness, marital status or other protected grounds as defined by law. Harassment of colleagues and people we work with is equally prohibited. Read more on Caritas Internationalis’ website about preventing harassment and child sexual abuse.
Caritas Finland is committed to protecting the safety and dignity of every person, whether they are an employee, volunteer or supporter. Caritas does not tolerate harassment and abuse. Every child and adult who comes to us has the right to be received in a safe environment. Caritas’ partners are committed to prohibiting child abuse, human trafficking and sexual exploitation and to implementing procedures to prevent, address and respond to such issues.
If you notice or suspect sexual harassment, abuse or other inappropriate behavior or hear about it within the scope of Caritas or the Catholic Church, you have the right and the opportunity to act. You can read the guidelines via this link.
​Henkilöturvatodistus / Personal security certificate (in Finnish) (pdf)
Cooperation with the diocese
Caritas Finland follows the same procedural guidelines as the Catholic Church in Finland. The Church has instructions for preventing and treating harassment and sexual abuse of children. Suspected abuse is requested to be reported immediately to the Diocese of Helsinki, and all suspected crimes against children to the police.
Suspected abuse is handled by a separate working group set up by the Bishop of Helsinki.
The Catholic Diocese Pastoral Center is responsible for Safeguard, or personal security training, and Caritas is involved in the training. All personnel and volunteers of both the diocese and Caritas are obliged to attend the training and keep it up to date. All participants in the training sign the ethical guidelines and principles (Code of Conduct), and therefore they commit to following the given rules of conduct in practice.
If your area needs training, you can order the training from the Pastoral Center at pastoraalikeskus@katolinen.fi.
Help and support for victims of abuse
You can always contact Caritas in all matters and Caritas will assist you in obtaining support and assistance. Other places where you can get help and support directly are:
Rape Crisis Centre Tukinainen
- Crisis hotline for those who have experienced sexual violence and/or abuse (regardless of gender), tel. 0800-97899
Crime Victim Hotline
- Crime Victim Hotline (RIKU) improves the position of the victim of crime, their loved ones and witnesses in criminal cases by influencing and providing support services.
Women’s Line
- Women’s Line, Naisten linja offers support services for women and girls who have experienced violence, their loved ones and professionals who work with those who have experienced violence.
Support for Children and youth