Answer a survey on violence in close relationships

We are conducting a survey on the experiences of violence in close relationships among Helsinki residents aged 18 and over. You can respond to the survey anonymously until 9 October 2026. Every response helps us develop services and strengthen support for all those affected by violence and their loved ones.

Respond to the survey

Silent Candlelight Procession

Silent candlelight procession to raise awareness of violence against women and girls

Drawing of Havis Amanda statue surrounded by candles.
Photo: Lille Santanen

Join the procession

The City of Helsinki is organising a silent candlelight procession on 25 November 2026 at 17.00 in Esplanade Park, Helsinki. The procession aims to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and encourage everyone to take action to end it. The procession is organised in cooperation with UN Women Finland and Finland's Violence Observatory.

  • Timetable and route

    The candlelight procession will start from the west end of Esplanade Park on Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 17.00. 

    Along the way, the procession will stop at the Espa Stage for speeches and music.

    The procession ends with a candle lighting ceremony around the statue of Havis Amanda, bathing in orange light. The event will end at around 18.00.

    The number of participants may cause changes to the route of the procession.

  • Registration

    The event is open to everyone. 

    Organisations are asked to register in advance so that the organisers can plan for the number of participants.

    Registration

  • Guidelines for participants

    • Please follow the instructions you receive from the police, security personnel and event organisers.
    • Bring your own candle with a protective cover. Candles will also be distributed at the starting point of the procession, but they will be limited. The organisers hope that the candles will be distributed as evenly as possible in the procession.
    • Be careful with fire. Keep the fire away from textiles and far enough away from other people.
    • The event will take place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
    • The event is a silent candlelight procession designed to draw attention to an important issue through silence and dignity. Political chants, signs and other symbols have no place at this event.
    • Photographers commissioned by the organisers will be present at the event. The photos and videos will be used for communication and marketing purposes by the City of Helsinki and UN Women Finland. In addition, the event may be photographed by the media or individuals. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform the photographer directly.

  • Safety

    Security: tel. +358931053887

Havis Amanda illuminated in orange

The statue of Havis Amanda will be illuminated in orange on 25 November 2026 from 15.00 to midnight as part of the UN's International Orange Days campaign coordinated by UN Women Finland. The colour orange and light symbolise hope for a non-violent future. The patron of the campaign is the spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland, Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

Information on the Orange Days campaign (in Finnish)

Havis Amanda statue lit in orange colour.
Photo: The City of Helsinki

Silent Witness exhibition

A Silent Witness exhibition will be held in front of Restaurant Kappeli on 25 November 2026 from 17:00 to 18:00 as part of the "Valoa, ei väkivaltaa" campaign. Red female figures will be installed for the exhibition, one for each woman who has died as a result of violence this year, and information will be shared about femicides and their prevention in Finland. 

Information on the "Valoa, ei väkivaltaa" campaign (in Finnish).

Red female figures on the staircase.
Photo: Silent Silent Witness Exhibition 2025/ Satu Mali

Explore the topic

Silent candlelight procession in Esplanade Park in November 2025.
Silent candlelight procession in November 2025
Drawing of windows and people living in the house.
Helsinki to conduct survey on residents’ experiences of domestic violence and access to support
Kaksi ikkunaa, joista toisesta näkyy kahden henkilön varjokuva.
Bring violence into daylight campaign encourages to seek help

Do you recognise violence?

Do you recognise violence directed at you?

 

It might be violence if:

  • you don't feel safe being yourself at home
  • someone puts you down or makes you feel worthless
  • you feel afraid at home, school or with friends
  • your basic needs are not being met
  • your bodily integrity has been violated

Support and help are available.

Do you recognise violent behaviour in your own actions?

It's important to seek help if:

  • you shout, lose your temper or break things
  • you put down, threaten or pressure someone close to you
  • you try to control their money, time or relationships
  • you've been physically violent towards someone
  • you've forced someone into sexual acts against their will

Support and help are available.

Bring violence into daylight

The Bring violence into daylight campaign is visible on the streets of Helsinki and on social media. The objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage people to seek help. Read more about the campaign

Two windows, one of the windows showing a shadow image of two persons.
Photo: Wörks, Maija Astikainen