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
- 🇩🇪 Germany: Emergency numbers & offers of help at www.hilfetelefon.de
- 🇫🇷 France: Emergency numbers & offers of help at www.solidaritefemmes.org
- 🇬🇧 UK: Emergency numbers & offers of help at womensaid.org.uk
💜 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.