Many domestic violence shelters in Finland have seen an increase in the number of clients this year, according to the MTV news network.

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Domestic violence shelters in Finland have diverted more than 1,000 people to other accommodation so far this year because they were fully booked, according to a survey by Finnish commercial channel MTV.

MTV reported that nearly every shelter in the country has been forced to send people to other facilities at one point or another.

Twenty-seven of Finland’s 28 shelters responded to the survey, with operators of 24 facilities saying they had turned away clients due to lack of space.

The shelters that did not have to do this were in the cities of Hämeenlinna, Vantaa and Porvoo, according to MTV.

Throughout last year, shelters had to redirect more than 1,200 people to other safe places to stay.

Many of the facilities said they had seen an increase in the number of people seeking shelter, the media reported.

Citing health authority THL, the news station noted that shelter clients are typically women between the ages of 25 and 34 who arrive with a baby or toddler. He added that shelters also offer help to male clients.

MTV said it conducted the shelter survey in response to a survey published earlier this week that found a quarter of young people saying they women might deserve acts of violence against them because of their appearance, dress or behavior.

Shelters provide a safe place to stay for people experiencing domestic or family violence – or even the threat of violence.

Domestic violence shelters in Finland they have space for 228 families. No appointments or referrals are needed to seek help.