69 Barriers to social services for trafficking victims in Finland

Abstract EP2.4, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 12:55 Aims Human trafficking is a growing issue in the European Union, with over 10,000 victims recorded in 2022. In Finland, the number of identified victims has nearly doubled in recent years. Despite increasing awareness, Finland lacks a standardized national framework for assessing the service needs of trafficking victims. As a result, many victims face systemic barriers when seeking social services, including bureaucratic obstacles, lack of specialized support, and difficulties in identification. Additionally, structural inequalities such as gender, age, and race further exacerbate the challenges faced by marginalized victims. This study aims to investigate these systemic barriers within Finland’s wellbeing services counties to inform the development of equitable national guidelines for victim support. Methods This qualitative study employs semi-structured interviews with trafficking victims (n = 15) who have either attempted but failed to access social services or have chosen not to seek them within wellbeing services counties. Participants will be recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews will be conducted in Finnish, English, or with the assistance of interpreters, ensuring inclusivity for diverse linguistic backgrounds. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis, with an intersectional framework to capture the overlapping vulnerabilities affecting victims’ access to social services. Results Preliminary findings are expected to reveal key systemic barriers, such as difficulties in victim identification, language barriers or inconsistencies in service provision. Additional challenges may include lack of trauma-informed social work and and gaps in interagency coordination. This study aims to deepen understanding of trafficking victims’ experiences within Finland’s social service system. Conclusions The study’s findings will contribute to the development of targeted policy recommendations aimed at improving social service accessibility for trafficking victims. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting more inclusive support structures, this research seeks to enhance Finland’s capacity to provide comprehensive social services and protection for victims of human trafficking.