Investigating suspected abuse of a child

A forensic psychological interview is equivalent to a police interrogation during a pre-trial investigation. In the interview, our unit’s psychologist speaks one-on-one with the child. The interview is observed via video by the investigating officer, the rest of the case team, and, if necessary, other professionals, such as a prosecutor or a child welfare social worker. The interview is recorded on video because children do not usually participate in any subsequent court proceedings themselves.  

The interview will take place at our unit or, if necessary, at a daycare center, school, or police station. During the interview, we take into account the child’s individual level of development and any special needs. The child should not be coaxed or pressured into talking about matters related to the suspected offence. 

You can learn more about the forensic psychological interviews with children in the Forensic Psychology Center’s introductory video:

In a stressful situation, the top priority is to create a safe environment for the child or adolescent and to ensure that their daily life continues as normally and predictably as possible.  

It is important to remember that it is possible to recover from an experience of violence, and the reactions of a child or adolescent can vary greatly from person to person. Cultivating hope and reinforcing positive things and thoughts can help in stressful situations. 

It is common for parents to react to their child’s experiences, and it is also important for parents to take care of their own wellbeing and functional capacity. If necessary, it is advisable to seek counseling to help you process your own feelings and thoughts, so that you can be as calming and supportive as possible for the child or adolescent.  

If child abuse is suspected, a medical examination may also be necessary. Such examinations are requested by the police, and they are conducted at the New Children’s Hospital, the Seri Support Center, or he services of your wellbeing services county.  

When sexual violence is suspected, we conduct medical examinations for children under 16 years of age at the New Children’s Hospital and for adolescents between the ages of 16 and 17, at the Seri Support Center.

When physical abuse of a child is suspected, we examine all children under the age of 4 at the New Children’s Hospital. Children older than this are examined in their own wellbeing services county; either in a primary healthcare clinic if their injuries are minor, or a hospital in their if their injuries require hospitalization.  

The police or another authority will direct the family to the appropriate location for the examinations.  

We offer training and consultation to professionals who work with children and adolescents. Topics may include suspected cases of abuse, guidelines for action, talking with children and adolescents, or considerations regarding psychosocial support.  

You can also find reliable information, training, and practical tools on the Barnahus website for Southern Finland.

Useful links 

• You can find information about child abuse and guidelines for dealing with suspected cases of abuse on the Mental Health Hub’s webpages.

• You can find comprehensive information on children’s sexual development, sexually suggestive behavior, and body image education on the website of Väestöliitto (the Family Federation of Finland).

• You can find information about the criminal justice process and support services on the Victim Support Finland (RIKU) website.

• You can find materials related to digital safety skills in the the learning resources provided by the Protect Children Association (Suojellaan Lapsia ry).