Helplines for women threatened by violence are experiencing a marked increase in demand: within a year, the number of calls has risen by almost half. Specialist organisations warn, however, that many affected women hesitate for a long time before reaching out for the first time.
The number of calls to helplines for women threatened by violence has risen by almost half within a year. This was confirmed to Czech Television (ČT) by the organisation Rosa – Centre for Women, which operates both helplines. The majority of calls were made to the new European helpline, which has been in operation in the Czech Republic for exactly one year.
According to Branislava Marvánová Vargová, Head of Social Services at Rosa, the two phone numbers – the new EU-wide 116 016 number as well as the older national 800 60 50 80 – received a total of 1,762 calls between November 2024 and the end of October 2025. This represents an increase of 47 percent compared with the previous year, during which the hotline received 1,198 reports.
Many women call because they are unsure whether what they are experiencing at home already constitutes domestic violence. They seek advice, guidance, and an assessment of their situation. Another large group consists of women in acute crisis situations who want to know, in the short term, how to improve their safety or respond in the given situation.
The helplines are not only aimed at the victims themselves, but also at relatives, friends, or colleagues who wish to provide support. On both lines, trained social workers handle the calls. The older number will continue to be available but is intended to be used more as an information hotline in the future.
European Hotline – Available Around the Clock
The European hotline number 116 016 can be used anonymously and operates across the entire EU. Currently, one staff member manages the line at a time. Technically, the system is already designed to take up to three calls simultaneously; this goal is set to be implemented in 2026 and 2027.
The establishment of a unified European violence helpline was decided by the Council of Europe in 2022. The Rosa Crisis Centre operates the Czech line, with funding this year provided by a contribution from the Ministry of the Interior for telephone and technical costs, as well as additional funds from the Vodafone Foundation.
ROSA – Centre for Women (centrum pro ženy) is an association providing comprehensive support for women who have become victims of domestic violence. This includes professional counselling, crisis intervention, social-therapeutic and legal advice, the creation of a safety plan, and the provision of secret shelters for women threatened by domestic violence.
