Roma community faces rising violence and cultural tension in Finland

Before Teresa was born, it was predetermined where she could live during her lifetime. Teresa, a Roma woman, comes from a family that has historically shed blood with another Roma clan, leading to a longstanding taboo against visiting those areas. This custom, known as “obligation to avoid,” has helped prevent bloodshed according to interviews with various Roma individuals and representatives of Roma organizations. Despite these efforts, violence has persisted.

In the past year, several public incidents of violence among Roma have emerged, with at least six reported cases. The latest fatality occurred last week when a 35-year-old woman was shot in Tampere. Miska Nyman, a coordinator for violence and crime prevention at the Finnish Roma Forum, describes the violence as a phenomenon given the small size of the Roma community. He emphasizes the need to discuss these issues openly to bring about change.

The concept of honor greatly affects the Roma community, where patriarchal values dictate that a woman’s conduct impacts her family’s reputation. Teresa, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, highlights a troubling shift in cultural values, suggesting a rise in violence that was traditionally frowned upon.

Discussions around “obligation to avoid” detail a cycle of blood revenge and exile, complicating matters for women seeking refuge from abuse. Roma women often endure long-standing violence before seeking help from shelters, which themselves are under-researched regarding the backgrounds of their clients.

As organizations address these growing issues, many argue that the violence stems from broader societal problems like poverty and substance abuse, alongside the unique pressures of maintaining cultural traditions. The recent surge in violence in the Roma community raises critical questions about support for women and children and the need for more effective intervention.