PURPOSE:
Domestic violence and sexual assault are serious, often hidden forms of violence against women. The key worker model offers support to victims and this project aims to expand its use across Finland’s wellbeing services counties. A web-based training on sexual violence will also be developed in this project to improve professionals’ ability to recognize gender-based violence.

DISCUSSION:
It is essential for all professionals including midwives to have the skills to identify victims of domestic and sexual violence as early as possible. Professionals need more skills and tools to recognize intimate partner and sexual violence. Key worker training will increase professionals’ understanding of the gendered nature of violence. Nationally developed practices, models, and tools as web-based training on sexual violence are available to professionals in their work with clients. The aim of the project in 2025-2027 is for the key worker model to be widely implemented throughout Finland. It also promotes multiprofessional cooperation by organizing joint seminars and workshops and strengthens equal services across different regions. The project partners include the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, the South Savo Wellbeing Services County, the Mother and Child Home of Turku, and VIOLA ry.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
According to a study by Statistic Finland, 34% of women and 18% of men over the age of 16 have experienced physical violence from their partner, while 43% of women and 12% of men have experienced sexual violence. These forms of violence cause significant harm to health and well-being.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives play a key role in recognizing violence against women. Training and new methods are essential to support them in this work. Poster session 4 (Group B)