Help and support for

women in need

Help and support for women in need

No one should have to live with violence or fear. If you find yourself in a difficult or dangerous situation, there is help available throughout Europe - free of charge, anonymously and around the clock.

📞 Emergency numbers for immediate help
  • Europe-wide emergency number: 112 - call the police immediately in case of acute danger.
  • EU-wide help hotline for victims of violence: 116 016 - free and confidential support.
  • Child protection hotline: 116 111 - for children and young people who need help.
🔎 Anonymous online help
  • Chat platform against gender-based violence: Many countries offer anonymous chat and online counseling.
  • European women's support organizations: You can find a list of support services in your country at Women Against Violence Europe.
🆘 Important contact points & organizations
  • EU-wide help hotline for victims of violence: 116 016 | Support in many languages.
  • Weißer Ring (EU-wide victim support): 116 006 |  www.victim-support.eu - Help for victims of violence and crime.
  • Women's shelters & safe houses: You can find an overview of offers in various European countries at Women's Shelters Europe.
📲 Country-specific emergency numbers & other support services

💜 You are not alone - there are offers of help all over Europe.Please do not hesitate to seek support.

What to do in cases of domestic or gender-based violence?

If you experience violence or are threatened, it is important to act quickly and safely. This guide will help you take the first steps.

1. In acute danger: call for help immediately

  • Call the police on 112 (EU-wide) or the national emergency number.
  • If it is not safe to make a phone call, send an SMS to an emergency number (in France: 114, in UK: Send the word register to 999).
  • Leave the apartment when it is safe to do so.

2. Immediate protective measures

  • Secure your most important documents (ID, money, keys, medical documents).
  • Keep your cell phone charged and at hand.
  • Talk to a trusted person to organize help.

3. Cover digital tracks

  • Use incognito mode or delete your browser history if you are looking for help online.
  • Delete messages, calls or chat histories that could alert the perpetrator.
  • Change passwords for important accounts (email, social media, online banking).
  • Deactivate location services on your cell phone to avoid being tracked.

4. Use emergency accommodation & advice

  • Women’s refuges & shelters: There are emergency shelters for women in danger all over Europe. An overview can be found at www.womenshelters.eu.
  • Anonymous advice: In many countries there are 24-hour help lines (e.g. 116 016 in the EU).
  • Online help: Use chat consultations if you cannot make a phone call (e.g. www.hilfetelefon.de or womensaid.org.uk).

5. Secure evidence & press charges

  • Document injuries or threats with photos and notes.
  • Keep evidence, e.g. text messages, emails or messages.
  • Go to the police or seek support to file a complaint.

6. Build up long-term security

  • Change your lock, when you stay in the appartment after he has moved out
  • Think about whether you should change your phone number.
  • Plan your future: Support is available at women’s counseling centers, social services, and legal advice offices.