I need support
When the situation feels overwhelming
Antisemitic threats or harassment do not always end when the situation itself is over. The experience can stay with you, bringing feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, or uncertainty — sometimes only afterwards.
It is completely understandable if you feel you need support, even if the situation was not an immediate danger or if you are unsure whether it was “serious enough.” Needing support does not require justification.
When might support be needed?
Support can be helpful, for example, if:
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the situation keeps bothering you or stays on your mind
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you feel unsafe or more cautious in everyday life
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you experience loneliness or isolation after the incident
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you are unsure how to describe or process what happened
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you simply want to talk about the experience with someone
You can also seek support even if you are not yet sure what you want to do next.
What kind of support can help?
Support can mean many things. It does not have to be crisis support or lead to specific actions. Below are examples of the kinds of support that may be available and how they can help.
An opportunity to describe your experience in your own words, without being dismissed or rushed.
When you are able to speak calmly and without pressure, you do not have to defend your experience or explain everything completely. Simply being heard can help ease the feeling and bring clarity to your thoughts.
Help in understanding what the situation involved and why it felt the way it did.
An outside perspective can help identify boundaries, recurring patterns, or antisemitic elements that may be difficult to see on your own.
Support in discussing possible next steps without pressure.
You can take your time to consider whether you want to take any action or not. Receiving support does not mean you are expected to proceed in a certain way or make any reports.
What kind of support does AVEK provide?
AVEK offers support to people who have experienced antisemitic situations. The support is confidential, free of charge, and does not obligate you to take the matter further.
You can contact AVEK, for example, if you:
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want to talk with someone about what happened
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are unsure how the situation should be handled
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would like help putting the experience into words
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are considering whether to report the incident to the authorities
AVEK can also assist if you decide to contact the authorities — for example, by helping you describe the situation or articulate the antisemitic motive.
Where can you get support in addition to AVEK?
Sometimes it can be important to receive support from more than one place or from different perspectives. If needed, you can also contact:
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The police, if the situation involves threats, harassment, or a suspected crime
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A police report can also be filed afterwards
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You do not need to determine yourself whether it is a hate crime
Log in to the police’s online service and select “Other crime.”
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Healthcare or mental health professionals, if the situation is emotionally burdensome or causes anxiety, fear, or sleep difficulties
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A trusted person in your close circle, such as a friend or family member
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Simply sharing the experience can help ease the feeling
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AVEK can also help you find an appropriate source of support if needed.
More information can be found from the following sources:
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Victim Support Finland (RIKU): https://www.riku.fi/erilaisia-rikoksia/viharikos/
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Police guidance on hate crimes: https://poliisi.fi/viharikokset
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MIELI Mental Health Finland: https://mieli.fi/
