The Setu Demonstration is a nationwide protest that supports the victims and survivors of sexual violence and calls for stricter sexual crime legislation in Finland. The name Setu is short for the Support Organisation for the Survivors of Sexual Violence.
With this demonstration, we demand justice, real and meaningful support for victims and survivors, and accountability, following stricter consequences for perpetrators.
The Setu Protest takes place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1 PM to 5 PM.
The protest will be held simultaneously in seven cities: Helsinki, Lahti, Tampere, Kajaani, Jyväskylä, Joensuu, ja Kuopio. In Helsinki, we will start gathering in Senaatintori at noon and the march toward Eduskunta will begin at 1PM.
We demand greater public and political attention to the situation of sexual violence survivors, as justice often fails to be served under the current legal framework.
We want to spark a national conversation about the leniency of sentences that perpetrators receive because they often do not reflect the severity of the crimes committed.
We want to shift the shame away from the survivor and onto the perpetrator, where it belongs.
We highlight the urgent lack of accessible, low-threshold support services for survivors and their loved ones.
Although Finland adopted consent-based sexual violence legislation in 2023, the problems persist. Survivors’ experiences are still dismissed, and sentences for sexual crimes remain disproportionately short given the severity of the offenses. Additionally, the support services available to survivors are often inadequate for long-term recovery.
Setu is here to push for real change which is why we need you.
Join us and support our mission!
The event operates according to the Safer Space principles. We aim to create an environment that is safer for everyone taking part. Let’s take care of each other together!
Treat each and every person with respect. Value their opinions, beliefs, and lived experiences.
Give everyone the chance to be heard and take part in the conversations.
Do not make assumptions about anyone’s gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, personal abilities, or any other characteristics.
Respect both physical and emotional boundaries. Always ask for consent before touching or commenting on someone.
Do not discriminate or harass others. If you witness inappropriate behavior, please intervene to stop any kind of harassment.
Be receptive to feedback and willing to correct your behavior when necessary.
Keep personal information shared with you confidential.
Be open to different perspectives and be willing to learn from others.
If you witness harassment, intervene in a way that feels safe for you or report it to the event organisers.
Acknowledge your own position of privileges, and be mindful to not use it in a way that reinforces inequality.
Avoid offensive language and stereotypes. Use clear and accessible language.
Express yourself in a clear and comprehensible manner.
Offer constructive feedback and be open to receiving it.
Creating a safer space is an ongoing process. It requires active participation, openness, and a shared commitment to learning from one another.
