Preventing violence: co-operation between the police and health authorities

This study explores a new collaboration model between the police and health authorities in Helsinki, Malmi area. Details of every assault case coming in Malmi hospital's emergency services are carefully recorded on a specific form designed to give further information to both social and judicial authorities if any follow-up procedures take place. This kind of information is particularly valuable when the assaults are result of continuous domestic violence. Recorded details include information on the victim, her/his condition, the offender, particular description of wounds with photos and method of assault, information on the crime scene and possible children involved, follow-up procedures etc. With the patient's approval case is taken directly to the police.

Follow-up studies have indicated that approximately 1000 cases have been recorded on this form every year since 2002 in Malmi hospital. About third of these cases are a result of men´s violence against known women and the rest assaults on public places (Perttu 2003). My aim is to analyse these cases and look into some of the possible follow-up procedures, especially the criminal procedures. Among other things my interest is to look into cases which have proceeded to the police as well as look into those that haven´t, study police pre-trial investigation related to the cases and follow possible prosecution procedures. Research material consists mainly of the forms with photos described above and police investigation material along with prosecution documents. This study started in the beginning of 2006 and will be completed during the same year.