Regional IKV Networks Met in Spring

The NAS coordinates six regional anti-trafficking networks (IKV networks) across Finland: in Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Ostrobothnia, South Karelia, and North Savo. In the spring, five workshops were held focusing on suspected trafficking cases using fictional scenarios.

The networks are multidisciplinary, including professionals from the social and health care sectors, police officers, lawyers, reception center staff, people from church, and actors from the Border Guard, Regional State Administrative Agencies, youth work, and various NGOs.

All workshops were held focusing on suspected trafficking cases using fictional scenarios. The first case dealt with forced marriage and the second with labor exploitation on a berry farm. The aim of the workshops was to reflect on the division of responsibilities and the progression of cases at the regional level. As a result, regional service maps with contact information will be developed.

The workshops received positive feedback from participants. In particular, they appreciated the collaborative approach, clarification of responsibilities in service provision, and the sharing of knowledge between different actors. There was also a clear desire to continue this form of practical collaboration in the future.

In North Savo, the workshop will be held in the autumn.
The spring meeting took place at the Kuopio police station and was hosted by Detective Chief Inspector Minna Willman-Koistinen. Guest speaker Anniina Jokinen from HEUNI presented the EASY project, which focuses on forced marriages. The project produced the Pitkä polku (“Long Path”) toolkit for supporting victims of forced marriage and a guide on best practices. These materials are also available for download on HEUNI’s website.

Additionally, the event covered current issues from the police’s perspective. The Detective Chief Inspector Minna Willman-Koistinen considers the regional IKV network meetings a vital part of anti-trafficking work.

“Regional network cooperation is extremely valuable for maintaining and developing a local understanding of the situation. Seeing each other in person, networking, having discussions, and going through regional phenomena and challenges offer a very different view compared to emails or remote meetings. For the police, it is crucial to be involved in regional networks and to hear directly from practitioners what is happening, what needs attention, and what is expected from us.”