Hate crime — Poliisi · Finland

Direct answer

Violence, threats or damage motivated by origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability is a hate crime with higher penalties, and it is under-reported — which is why reporting matters. Poliisi — rikosilmoitus (poliisi.fi): say explicitly that you believe the motive was hate, and ask for it to be recorded as such. Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu (0295 666 817) — the equality body — supports victims, monitors how the police handle it and can take a discrimination case in parallel. Rikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006 (116 006) offers free support, also if you decide not to report.

Call firstPoliisi — rikosilmoitus

Report toYhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu

If that failsRikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] at [place] I was [attacked / threatened / insulted] by [description]. They said [words] which show it was because of my [origin / religion / orientation / …]. Witnesses: [names]. I want this recorded as a hate crime."

🪜 Step by step

Safety and medical careGet out of the situation; see a doctor and ask for injuries to be documented.
EvidencePhotos, the exact words used, witnesses' contacts, camera locations nearby.
Report to Poliisi — rikosilmoitusUse the words "hate crime" or "bias motive". Ask for a copy of the report and the case number.
Tell Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuEquality bodies track these cases, support victims, and can intervene if the police do not take it seriously.
Support: Rikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006Counselling, help with the process, compensation claims — free.

📇 All contacts

Poliisi — rikosilmoitusOnline report or police stationAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform🔗 poliisi.fi/rikosilmoitus

Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettuAdvice and supervision on discriminationFor discrimination at work, housing, services📞 0295 666 817 🔗 syrjinta.fi

Rikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006Free victim support, help with compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 www.riku.fi

OikeusaputoimistoPublic legal aid for low and middle incomesWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 oikeus.fi/oikeusapu

❓ Frequently asked

The police did not record the motive

Ask in writing for the motive to be added; involve Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu / Tasa-arvovaltuutettu. Recording the bias motive matters for the charge and for statistics.

It was online

Hate speech online is prosecutable; save screenshots with URLs and report to the platform and the police (see the online-harassment page).

I do not want to report but need help

Rikosuhripäivystys (RIKU) — 116 006 and community organisations support you without a report. Some countries have third-party reporting so the incident is counted anonymously.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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