The European Commission announced the creation of a unified helpline line 116 016, a milestone announced on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on 25 November. This dedicated number is intended to be a single, harmonized contact point for victims of gender-based violence across the European Union, designed to streamline access to essential advice, support, and rescue resources regardless of the member state in which a survivor seeks help. It marks a conscious shift toward a shared approach to victim assistance and a clearer, faster route to assistance for those in need. [European Commission]
In practical terms, the objective is to standardize the response framework so that women who experience violence can reach a consistent service channel through the same nationwide number, wherever they are within the EU. This initiative aligns with broader EU commitments to protect victims, provide immediate support, and connect people with competent local services, hotlines, and outreach programs. The adoption of a common EU number is part of a larger strategy to remove friction, reduce delays, and ensure that help is reachable in moments of crisis. [European Commission]
To date, a total of fifteen EU Member States have committed to linking their existing helplines for women victims to this centralized number, thereby expanding the reach and impact of the system across more communities. This collaboration demonstrates how national services can integrate with a continental framework to deliver more cohesive protection and assistance while respecting local legal and operational contexts. [European Commission]
The term Member States use to describe this effort centers on the common EU number as a gateway that connects directly to national hotlines. The interim arrangement began to take shape in April 2023, when the plan and the coordinating mechanisms were first publicly outlined as a practical step toward unifying the help landscape for violence survivors within the Union. [European Commission]
In a strong statement accompanying the rollout, the European Commission and EU High Representative Josep Borrell condemned all forms of violence against women and girls, underscoring that such acts remain unacceptable in contemporary society. The joint message reaffirmed the commitment to combat harassment, abuse, rape, mutilation, and forced marriage, emphasizing the necessity of continuing vigilance, comprehensive protection measures, and sustained support networks for survivors. [European Commission; EU High Representative]