Haavoittuvien

Haavoittuvien is the Finnish term formed as the genitive plural of haavoittuva, meaning "the vulnerable" or "the vulnerable groups." It appears in policy and academic discourse to refer to populations at greater risk of harm, exclusion, or disadvantage due to factors such as age, health, socioeconomic status, or discrimination.

Etymology and usage: haavoittuva comes from haavoittua, to be vulnerable or susceptible to harm. The suffix -ien marks genitive plural; haavoittuvien ryhmät means "groups of the vulnerable." The term is common in social policy, health care, disaster risk management, and human rights contexts to identify needs and guide protections and services.

Examples: Children and other minors; older adults; people with disabilities; migrants and refugees; ethnic, linguistic, or religious minorities; low-income households; people experiencing homelessness; people with chronic illness or mental health problems; victims of domestic violence or abuse. Vulnerability is context-dependent and can change with circumstances.

Policy implications: The concept supports targeted interventions, inclusive design, accessible services, and risk reduction strategies. It is used to assess equity, allocate resources, and monitor outcomes, while acknowledging that vulnerability arises from social, economic, and environmental conditions rather than individual failings.

See also: vulnerability (haavoittuvuus); social welfare; Finnish social policy.