Domestic Violence Resources In The European Union

Addressing the Silent Pandemic: Domestic Violence in the European Union

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Europe, leaving devastation in its wake, another insidious crisis quietly took hold: domestic violence. Contrary to common misconceptions, this scourge knows no gender bounds, with men and women alike falling victim to its relentless grip.

Domestic Violence Resources Across World Regions

• Africa

• Asia

• European Union

• Oceania

• North America

• United Kingdom

• South America

In the European Union, the pandemic acted as a catalyst for an alarming surge in domestic violence cases, shining a harsh spotlight on the pervasive nature of abuse within intimate relationships. Designated hotlines in countries like Spain witnessed a staggering 47% increase in women reaching out for help, accompanied by a shocking 700% surge in online approaches from victims.

Domestic Violence Resources In The European Union

Similarly, Austria saw a 40% uptick in calls for assistance, while France reported a 36% increase in police interventions for cases involving abused women and children since the outbreak.

For many survivors, the pandemic-induced lockdowns and mobility restrictions proved to be a double-edged sword, confining them to their homes with their abusers and exacerbating the barriers to seeking help. In France and Spain, where lockdown measures were particularly stringent, women resorted to desperate measures, reaching out to pharmacists for assistance when venturing out to procure essential medications.

Domestic Violence Resources

• The Deceptive Charm of Love Bombing in Domestic Violence Relationships 

• International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2024)

• Unveiling Coercive Control: Insights from Domestic and Family Violence Police Reports

• Understanding Domestic Violence: Recognizing Inside Threats and Indicators of a Dangerous Situation

In the face of this crisis, it is imperative that we take action to support survivors and break the cycle of abuse. Whether you are a victim yourself or know someone who is, there are resources available to help navigate the complexities of domestic violence and secure the assistance needed.

Across the European Union, a network of support services stands ready to provide essential assistance to survivors, offering counseling, shelter, and legal advocacy to those in need. Hotlines staffed by trained professionals offer a lifeline to individuals grappling with the trauma of abuse, providing a safe space to seek guidance and support.

By harnessing the power of these resources and reaching out for help, survivors can reclaim their autonomy and begin the journey towards healing and recovery. As allies, it is incumbent upon us to lend our support, amplify survivors' voices, and advocate for systemic change to address the root causes of domestic violence.

Together, let us stand united in the fight against domestic violence, forging a future where every individual is free from the fear and oppression of abuse. For in solidarity lies our strength, and in compassion lies our hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Domestic Violence Resources in Europe

Children (under 18)	Child Helpline International
Women	Women Against Violence Europe
Men	Men’s Action Network
Older Adults (over 60)	Age Action

Albania	Women	Women and Girls Advice Line (Linja e Keshillimit per Gra dhe Vajza) phone: 116 message on Facebook
Andorra	Everyone	Servei d’Atenció a les Víctimes de Violència Domèstica i Familiar phone: 181
Austria	Women	Women’s Helpline Against Violence phone: 0800 222 555 message on Facebook
Belarus	Everyone	National Hotline for Survivors of Domestic Violence phone: 8801 100 8801
Belgium	Women	Crisis Situation Helpline phone: 0800/30.030 phone: 106 (Flemish) phone: 107 (French) phone: 108 (German)
Adults	Ecoutes Violences Conjugales (French) phone: 0800 30 030 Violence Hotline (Flemish) phone: 1712
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Women & Children (under 18)	SOS Line for Women and Children phone: 1264 (Republika Srpska) phone: 1265 (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) message on Facebook
Bulgaria	Women	Women’s Helpline phone: 359 2 981 7686
Croatia	Women	Autonomous Women’s House in Zagreb phone: 0800 55 44
Cyprus	Everyone	Center for Emergency Assistance Helpline phone: 1440
Czech Republic	Everyone	DONA Line phone: +420 251 51 13 13
Denmark	Women	LOKK Hotline phone: +45 70 20 30 82
Estonia	Women	Tugitelefon phone: 1492
Finland	Women	Women’s Line (Naisten Linja) phone: 358-800-02400 message on Facebook
France	Women	Violences Femmes Info phone: 3919 Viols Femmes Information phone: 0800 05 95 95
Georgia	Everyone	Anti-Violence Network of Georgia phone: 309 903 message on Facebook
Germany	Women	National Women’s Helpline phone: 08000 116 016
Greece	Women	E.K.K.A. (National Center for Social Solidarity) phone: 197 message on Facebook
Adult	General Secretariat for Gender Equality phone: 15 900 message on Facebook
Hungary	Women & Children (under 18)	NaNE Helpline for Battered Women and Children phone: 06 80 505 101
Iceland	Everyone	Kvennaathvarfið Shelter Helpline phone: 561 1205
Ireland	Everyone	National Freephone Helpline phone: 1800-341-900 message on Facebook
Italy	Everyone	Antiviolenza Donne phone: 1522 message on Facebook
Kosovo	Everyone	Direct Line for Victims of Violence (Albanian) (Bosnian) phone: 0800 11112 message on Facebook SOS Linja phone: 381 39 033 00 98
Latvia	Everyone	Crisis Helpline phone: 67222922
Liechtenstein	Women	Women’s Helpline Frauenhaus phone: 423 380 02 03
Lithuania	Women	Women’s Line (Lygus) phone: 8800 66 366 message on Facebook
Luxembourg	Women	Fraentelefon phone: 12 344
Macedonia	Everyone	National SOS Line – Phone of Trust phone: 15 315 message on Facebook SOS National Mobile Line phone: 389 75 141 700 phone: 389 77 141 700
Malta	Everyone	Appogg Agency Supportline phone: 179
Moldova	Everyone	Trust Line phone: 8008 8008
Montenegro	Everyone	SOS Helpline For Victims of Violence phone: 080 111 111 phone: 202 322 54
Netherlands	Everyone	Veilig Thuis phone: 0800 2000
Norway	Everyone	Crisis Situation Helpline phone: 800 40 008
Poland	Everyone	National Emergency Service for Survivors of Family Violence phone: 801 12 00 02 National Emergency Service for Survivors of Family Violence – Blue Line phone: 22 668 70 00 message on Facebook
Portugal	Everyone	Serviço de Informação às Vitimas de Violéncia Doméstica phone: 800 202 148
Romania	Women	ADRA (Bucharest) phone: 021 25 25 117 Baia Mare: Centru Artemis phone: 0262 25 07 70 CMSC (Iasi) phone: 023 225 29 20 Sensi Blue Foundation (Bucharest) phone: 021 311 46 36 Sibiu: A.L.E.G. phone: 075 389 35 31 Targu Mures: IEESR phone: 026 521 16 99 Timisoara: APFR 0256 29 3183
Russia	Everyone	ANNA (National Center for the Prevention of Violence) 8 800 7000 600
San Marino	Women	Rosa Hotline phone: 800 738 738
Serbia	Women	Network of Women’s Hotline in Vojvodina 0800 10 10 10
Everyone	Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence 0800 100 600
Slovakia	Women	National Line for Women Surviving Violence 0800 212 212 message on Facebook
Slovenia	Women & Children (under 18)	SOS Helpline for Women and Children 080 11 55 message on Facebook
Spain	Everyone	Helpline for Information on Gender Violence 016 message on Facebook
Sweden	Everyone	Kvinnofridslinjen 020 50 50 50 Terrafem 020 52 1010
Switzerland	Everyone	Dargebotene Hand 143
Ukraine	Everyone	Domestic Violence Counteraction and Child Rights Protection Hotline 0800 500 335 0800 500 336 message on Facebook

How can I tell if someone is being abused?

Recognizing and responding to signs of abuse is crucial in providing support to those who may be in danger. Here’s a summary of the steps you can take to help someone you suspect is being abused:

• Be observant: Pay attention to subtle signs such as isolation from friends and family, financial control, and reluctance to discuss their relationship.

• Listen without judgment: Offer a supportive ear and avoid pressuring the victim to take action. Understand that leaving an abusive situation can be complex and dangerous.

• Make an anonymous report: If you witness or suspect ongoing abuse, don’t hesitate to call the authorities. Your intervention could save a life.

• Reach out to support services: Refer the victim to organizations equipped to handle cases of abuse. These services can provide guidance and assistance while respecting confidentiality.

• Avoid contact with the abuser: Refrain from confronting the perpetrator directly. Leave intervention to trained professionals to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

• Maintain confidentiality: Respect the privacy of the victim by keeping any disclosures or reports confidential. Avoid sharing details on social media, as it could compromise the victim’s safety.

By following these steps, you can offer vital support to those experiencing abuse while minimizing risks to yourself and the victim. Remember that your actions can make a difference in helping someone escape a dangerous situation.

Violence Prevention and Self Defense Techniques

• How To Spot The Pre-Incident Indicators

• Customized Violence Prevention and Self Defense Programs For Agencies and Business And Individuals

• How Rethinking Fear Can Change Your Life And Put You You On The Path To FearLess Living

• Self Defense NJ: Developing The Survival Mindset To Protect Yourself In A Violent Encounter

The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) is a non profit 501(C)(3) with a mission to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves by providing online and live training. 

Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault. CVPSD reaches individuals and communities through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits, community groups, as well as classes for the public.