Sexual violence in Finland

Sexual violence means that someone forces or manipulates someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent.^[1] Such violence can take place in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships, as well as outside intimate relationships.^[2] All sexual offenses violate the basic right of sexual self-determination.^[3] In Finland, sexual violence and taking advantage of a person is always a crime, even if the assaulter was the victim's spouse, relative or their friend.^[3] Sexual offences include but are not limited to rape, forcing someone into a sexual act and taking sexual advantage of a person.^[3] The victims of sexual violence are predominantly women, but 26 percent of Finnish men have experienced sexual harassment since their 15th birthday.^[4]