Austria's Women's Helpline Sees Record Surge in Calls for Support

Calls to Austria's Frauen helfen Frauen helpline have surged in recent years. The service, which supports victims of domestic and sexualised violence, saw demand rise sharply during the pandemic. Now, even more people are reaching out for help—including those dealing with broader personal struggles.

Between 2019 and 2023, annual calls to the helpline nearly doubled. In 2019, around 15,000 people contacted the service, but by 2023, that number had climbed to roughly 28,000. The steepest increase occurred in 2020 and 2021, coinciding with COVID-19 lockdowns.

The upward trend has continued since. In 2024, calls rose by about 20 percent compared to the previous two years. By 2025, the helpline recorded around 5,000 calls in just the first part of the year—an 11 percent jump from the same period in 2024.

While most callers are still victims of violence or their close contacts, the service has seen a rise in women seeking advice on relationship problems and mental health. Meanwhile, the number of men reaching out has remained stable, with roughly 300 cases reported annually.

The helpline's growing demand reflects broader challenges faced by women in Austria. More people are turning to the service for support, whether due to violence, emotional distress, or personal difficulties. The organisation continues to expand its capacity to meet the rising need.