Article - Published on 20.10.2022, 09:58 # HUS developed a model for Seri Support Centers for victims of sexual assault Keywords: - [medical research](< /en/search?q=medical research >) - [Sexual Assault Support Center](< /en/search?q=Sexual Assault Support Center >) - [Gynecological research](< /en/search?q=Gynecological research >) At the Seri Support Center, victims of sexual assault receive psychological and social support, as well as help with criminal proceedings and reporting offences.  HUS developed the model of Seri Support Centers, of which there are now 18 across Finland. Victims of sexual assault often lack support. In addition, the interim report of the HUS Seri Support Center showed that more than half of victims of sexual assault had previous experiences of violence, and their mortality was dozens of times higher than those of the same age group. HUS developed the model of the Seri Support Centers, of which there are now 18 across Finland. At the Centers, victims of sexual assault receive psychological and social support, as well as help with criminal proceedings and reporting offences. **Research results from the Seri project have been utilized** - in the development of the services of the Seri Support Center Network, - in expert opinions on sexual crime legislation reform work, - in developing multidisciplinary cooperation with the police, social welfare authorities, psychologists and healthcare staff; and - in strengthening peer support groups and legal advice. The objective of the research project is to prevent sexual violence, protect those at risk, reduce the vulnerability of victims, and target treatment and support measures properly. ### **Learn more about the Seri study** HUS, THL, Åbo Akademi, the Police and the National Prosecution Authority are involved in the research Research project director: [Riina Korjamo](/en/person/riina-korjamo "Riina Korjamo (Assistant Chief Medical Officer)"), Senior Ward Physician, MD, Chief Physician at Seri Support Center, HUS [Basic project information on the Harnessing Knowledge website](https://tietokayttoon.fi/-/seri-tukikeskusten-asiakkaiden-tausta-tukipalveluiden-kaytto-ja-rikosprosessin-eteneminen?inheritRedirect=true&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Ftietokayttoon.fi%2Fajankohtaista%2Fblogi%2F-%2Fblogs%2Fseksuaalivakivaltaa-kokeneet-kaipaavat-vierelleen-rinnalla-kulkijoita%3F_com_liferay_blogs_web_portlet_BlogsPortlet_showFlags%3Dtrue) [Seri Study interim report](https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163614) ## Further information - [ More than 1,000 first visits to the HUS Seri Support Center for Victims of Sexu… ](/en/node/2048) - [ In the Seri Support Center, gender sensitivity is at the heart of the encounters ](/en/node/4257) - [ For the first time, the Seri Support Center is also organizing peer support gro… ](/en/node/5671) - [ The sexual crimes legislation renewed at the turn of the year will increase the… ](/en/node/5802) Share the news - [ Share on Facebook (opens in a new window) ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.hus.fi/en/newsroom/hus-developed-model-seri-support-centers-victims-sexual-assault) - [ Share on Linkedin (opens in a new window) ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.hus.fi/en/newsroom/hus-developed-model-seri-support-centers-victims-sexual-assault) Print this page