Organizations That Offer Healing and Support

The Recovery Village

Domestic violence can take many forms, with the most common types

being physical violence, rape, stalking and emotional or psychological abuse.

In the United States, domestic violence is commonly associated with cases of sexual

assault, stalking, homicide, mental illness and suicide. The pervasiveness and complexity

of domestic violence mean that anyone — regardless of age, gender, sexuality,

ethnicity, religion or social standing — can be affected by this kind

of abuse at any point in their life.

Recovery Village

provides in-depth information about domestic violence, including:

* Signs of Domestic Abuse, for a Victim or a Friend
* How to Get Out of an Abusive Relationship
* How to Help a Domestic Violence Victim
* Facing the Facts: Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence
* Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Resources, by State

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/resources/domestic-violence/

Other Resources

Songs for Little Ones

I learned about a beautiful product of music for children. When I was very young, I loved music; it touched something very powerful inside of me and became a great source of strength and healing, even while I was in the midst of suffering. For this reason, I want to share with you this product, to encourage other children to love music.

Songs for Little Ones is a collection of well-known children's songs and nursery rhymes, designed to delight, engage and educate toddlers and preschoolers. The project is composed of a music album, a piano sheet music book and an illustrated lyrics book, in English and Chinese.

https://songsforlittleones.xyz/

Annuity.org offers online resources

about financial abuse, as well as financial literacy.

The warning signs of financial abuse can vary depending on the specific situation. It’s also important to remember that financial abuse often escalates over time. It may start with something simple, like a small ask for some money or to give up a little bit of control. But it can grow over time and eventually result in a victim. Better understanding the warning signs can help prevent a situation from escalating out of control.
Financial abuse can also take place in marriages and relationships and can become a key part of domestic abuse situations.
Money is an everyday necessity, and abusers use that to take control of their victims. By taking control of their partner’s finances, the abuser is able to strip the victim of their independence and make it difficult for them to escape the situation.
“They have this ‘what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine, too’ mentality,” Joye said. “If you feel like you are suffering and they’re doing just fine financially, there’s an imbalance of power there. It is usually a power play and a control mechanism.”
It may not always be easy to tell if a loved one is being financially abused. In some situations, the victim may have not even acknowledged it themselves since some abusers can be very effective at disguising what they are doing.
Some abusers know how to toe the line of keeping their victim from seeking help, either by changing moods frequently or unexpectedly giving them generous gifts to keep them from suspecting too much.
“They may give the appearance of being generous when, actually, they’re just trying to placate you just enough to keep you bound,” Joye said.
But there are still signs from loved ones and family members to keep an eye on.
For those in relationships who may be being financially abused, one key sign for loved ones to look out for is how they refer to money and their financial situation. If their spouse comes off as an authority figure instead of an equal, it may mean something is going on.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly 80% of Americans don’t recognize financial abuse as domestic abuse.

Source: Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

When you start seeing somebody suffering or someone says "Oh, I can’t do that because John won’t let me, I can’t do that because Sally won’t let me." These are adults. If an adult won’t ‘let’ you do something or buy something, then something is wrong.
Another sign is if you notice a family member having to ask for permission from their spouse to make small, everyday purchases, or if they make reference to an allowance.
Loved ones should also keep an eye out for financial imbalances within the couple. “If they see that a husband’s driving a brand new Tesla and the wife is in an old beater, or vice versa, there’s some signs right there.”
For family members of seniors who may be going through financial abuse, it is critical to keep an eye on their finances and their caretakers.
If you notice that your family member’s bank account has experienced either major withdrawals or many small ones that have added up over time, with no clear explanation, it may mean something is going on.

International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2022)

Written by Xeandra Naicker | Updated On November 20, 2022

International Domestic Violence Resource

G

uide (2022)

Domestic violence exploded during the first two months of the COVID-19

outbreak. In the U.S., there was a 30% increase in spousal/partner abuse

towards women, and the U.K. saw a similar increase as well – 25%.

Similarly, there has been an uptick in violence against men and the elderly,

with financial strain caused by the pandemic being noted as the main

stressor in domestic situations. Still, there is no updated, comprehensive

resource that tells you where to go if you are suffering such horrible

violence, or know someone who is a victim.

Such a resource is critical, as there are abusive partners that have made

use of the pandemic itself as a tool of terror. In many cases, they withhold

medication, insurance cards, and even the ability to go purchase hand

sanitizer from their victims – all while public health procedures, such as

mass quarantines, prevent any chance of escape; this is on top of the

pre-existing threat of violence that constantly looms over their heads.

Sadly, you can’t trust the government either. Social Services aren’t getting the necessary funds in these times, and non-profit rescue organizations can’t do it alone. It is our duty to help the victims of this viciousness and not forget that there are victims of abuse across all age groups and genders.

United States: 24 People Per Minute Are Abused by Intimate Partners

In this guide, you will find every possible contact and useful tips that will help you to stop being a bystander, take action, and save lives (without putting your own at risk).

Because North America is so culturally diverse, the prevalence of domestic violence differs greatly from country to country. However, intimate partner violence is the most serious in the United States, which may be because of the high levels of gun ownership as well as the fact that many victims of domestic violence are afraid to report it for fear of reprisals.

Domestic Abuse has been outrageously common in the USA, long before the COVID-19 plague. In fact, 50% of women visiting emergency rooms nationwide have a history of abuse, and 40% of those murdered by their abuser tried to get help in the last 2 years before their death. In too frequent of circumstances, they didn’t get enough help from their surroundings – and in these times of lockdowns and mobility limitations, it’s even harder for them to reach out. According to recent research, domestic violence across all genders and age groups has increased by 30% in the U.S. during March and April alone.

It seems the next murder is right around the corner. The U.S. has seen an increase in violent risk factors: Gun sales reached a 7-year peak, with 1.9 million firearms sold in March 2020 alone; and liquor sales also rocketed by 31.7% in the same period, in comparison to 2019.

These contacts can help stop the next death and save a person’s life.

Domestic Violence Hotlines in North America

Antigua and Barbuda: Adults Antigua and Barbuda Support And Referral Centre
phone: 268 463 5555

Bahamas: Everyone Bahamas Crisis Centre
phone: 1 800 737 732

Belize: Everyone Cornerstone Foundation
phone: 222 4343

Canada: Children (under 18) Kids Help Phone
phone: +1 800 668 6868

Women Assaulted Women’s Helpline
phone: 1.866.863.0511
Alberta Council of Women
phone: 1 800 363 9010
Emergency Ready in Canada
Men National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1-800-799-7233 phone: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Older Adults (over 60) ElderCare
phone: 1-800-677-1116

Costa Rica: Women Cefemina
phone: 506 2224 3986

Dominica: Everyone She Will Survive
phone: 1-800-8477

Dominican Republic: Women Ministerio de la Mujer RD
phone: +1 809-685-3755
Everyone

phone: 809 200 1202, phone: 809-200-7212

El Salvador: Women Organización de Mujeres Salvadoreñas por la Paz
phone: 503 2556 0032

Grenada Women GNOW
phone: 473 440 3788

Guatemala: Women Fundación Sobrevivientes
phone: 2285 0100/0139

Haiti: Women KAY FANM – HAÏTI
phone: (509) 245 5174/4221

Honduras: Everyone Teléfono De La Esperanza de San Pedro Sula
phone: 150

Jamaica: Women Woman Inc. Crisis Centre
phone: 929 9038

Mexico: Children (under 18) Teléfono ANAR México
phone: 01800 911-1119

WomenSecretaría de las Mujeres
Linea para Mujeres: 800 108 4053
INMUJERES
phone: +52 55 5322 6030
Men Secretaría de las Mujeres
Linea para hombres: 800 900 4321

Nicaragua: Women

phone: 118

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Everyone Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs
phone: +1 869-467-1275, +1 869-467-1223

Saint Lucia: Women The St. Lucia Crisis Centre Corporation
phone: (758) 453-1521

USA: Children (under 18) Childhelp USA
phone: 1-800 422 4453

Women The National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1 (866) 331-9474

Men Victim Connect
phone: 1 (855) 484-2846

Older Adults (over 60) ElderCare
phone: 1-800-677-1116

Survivors, Legacy Families, Angel Babies Break the Silence Survivor Helpline
phone: 1 (855) 287-1777

Military Members & Their Families DoD Safe Helpline
phone: 1 (877) 995-5247

United Kingdom: Domestic Abuse Accounts for 16% of All Violent Crime

The 25% jump in U.K. abuse reports isn’t surprising. A recent study shows that the pandemic exposed severe flaws in the government’s approach to domestic abuse. Funds promised to services that support victims of domestic abuse back in October 2019 have not yet been supplied. This is surprising, considering the Government signed the Istanbul Convention in 2012 to reaffirm the U.K.’s strong commitment to tackle violence against women and girls. In reality, most of the U.K.’s 48 support services had to shut down at least one of their support channels. Abuse victim shelters are nearing full capacity, and the COVID-19 outbreak made everything worse – particularly for minorities.

We need to take the initiative and help people ourselves. This list will show you contacts that are still available and can help save lives today.

Domestic Violence Hotlines Across the U.K.

England: Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 0800 1111
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
phone: 0808 200 0247

Women Juno Women’s Aid
phone: 0808 800 0340

Northern Ireland: Women’s Aid Federation
phone: 0800 917 1414

Men Respect Men’s Advice Line
phone: 0808 8010327

Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141

LGBTQ+ Community Galop
phone: 0800 999 5428

Women & Men Respect Phoneline
phone: 0808 802 4040

Ireland: Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 1800 66 66 66

Women Women’s Aid
phone: 1800 341 900

Men Men’s Aid Ireland
phone: 01-5543811

Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141

Scotland: Children (under 18) NSPCC
phone: 0808 800 5000

Women Scottish Women’s Aid
phone: 0800 027 1234, 0131 226 6606

Men Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
phone: 01823 334244

Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141

Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
phone: 0800 027 1234

Wales Children (under 18) NSPCC
phone: 0808 800 5000

Women Welsh Women’s Aid Live Fear Free Helpline
phone: 0808 80 10 800

Men Safer Wales
phone: 0808 80 10 800

Older Adults (over 60) Hourglass
phone: 0808 808 8141

European Union: Men and women are almost equally affected by domestic violence

As COVID-19 grew in Europe, cases of domestic violence simply skyrocketed. Designated hotlines in Spain reported a 47% increase in women calling for help and a shocking 700% increase in online approaches from victims. Calls for help increased by 40% in Austria, and in France there’s been a 36% increase in police interventions for cases of abused women and children since the outbreak.

Being locked in with their abuser made calling for help harder than ever. Women in France and Spain had no choice, and began asking for help from pharmacists when they managed to go out to get medications. You can help make a difference by utilizing these contacts – whether you’re a victim of Domestic Abuse in the E.U. yourself or know somebody there who is being abused.

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

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

Belarus: Everyone National Hotline for Survivors of Domestic Violence
phone: 8801 100 8801

Belgium: Women Crisis Situation Helpline
phone: 0800/30.030, 106 (Flemish), 107 (French), 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), 1265 (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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

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

Germany: Women National Women’s Helpline
phone: 08000 116 016

Greece: Women E.K.K.A. (National Center for Social Solidarity)
phone: 197

Adult General Secretariat for Gender Equality
phone: 15 900

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

Italy: Everyone Antiviolenza Donne
phone: 1522

Kosovo: Everyone Direct Line for Victims of Violence (Albanian) (Bosnian)
phone: 0800 11112
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

Luxembourg: Women Fraentelefon
phone: 12 344

Macedonia: Everyone National SOS Line – Phone of Trust
phone: 15 315
SOS National Mobile Line
phone: 389 75 141 700, 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, 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

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
phone: 0256 29 3183

Russia: Everyone ANNA (National Center for the Prevention of Violence)
phone: 8 800 7000 600

San Marino: Women Rosa Hotline

phone: 800 738 738

Serbia: Women Network of Women’s Hotline in Vojvodina
phone: 0800 10 10 10

Everyone Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence
phone: 0800 100 600

Slovakia: Women National Line for Women Surviving Violence
phone: 0800 212 212

Slovenia: Women & Children (under 18) SOS Helpline for Women and Children
phone: 080 11 55

Spain: Everyone Helpline for Information on Gender Violence
phone: 016

Sweden: Everyone Kvinnofridslinjen
phone: 020 50 50 50
Terrafem
phone: 020 52 1010

Switzerland: Everyone Dargebotene Hand
phone: 143

Ukraine: Everyone Domestic Violence Counteraction and Child Rights Protection Hotline
phone: 0800 500 335, 0800 500 336

Africa: a Third of All Women Have Experienced Violence

There has been a surge in domestic violence cases in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study by the United Nations, 70% of women in Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners. This number is even higher for women living in poverty or with disabilities.

During the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the number of domestic violence cases reported. In Nigeria, for example, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported a 50% increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period. In South Africa, the police have reported a 25% increase in domestic violence cases since the start of the pandemic. This is likely because many women are now working from home and are, therefore, more accessible to their abusers.

The increased stress and anxiety of the pandemic have also led to an increase in domestic violence against men. In Kenya, the National Gender Violence Recovery Centre (NGVRC) has seen a 30% increase in the number of men seeking help for domestic violence since the pandemic began. The NGVRC has also seen an increase in the number of men reporting sexual violence.

Angola: Women She Will Survive Virtual Knowledge Centre
phone: 260 665 9191

Benin: Women Courants de Femmes
phone: 806 254 0376

Botswana: Everyone Humana People to People
phone: (267) 3900516/7659

Burkina: FasoWomenVOIX de FEMMES
phone: 226 38 47 08
She Will Survive
phone: 226 31 30 52

Burundi: Everyone phone: +257 22 23 53 78

Cabo Verde: Everyone phone: 941 780 2232

Cameroon: Women Pour des Femmes et Filles épanouies
phone: (+237) 222 29 13 67, 6 99 85 07 17

Central African Republic: Emergency phone: 610600

Chad: Women phone: 0235 66 77 50 35

Comoros: Women She Will Survive
phone: 0269 773 46 63

National Police

phone: 117

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Women AFPDE
phone: +243994020783

Abuse Helpline

phone: (267) 220 52 94

Djibouti: Women Union Nationale des Femmes de Djibouti
phone: 35 04 21/35 19 81

Egypt: Children (under 18) National Council for Childhood and Motherhood
phone: 16000

Women She Will Survive
phone: 202 257 87089

Men Abuse Helpline
phone: 202 257 76792

Older Adults (over 60) Abuse Helpline
phone: 202 257 76792

Eritrea: Women National Union of Eritrean Women
phone: 291 1 185636

Eswatini: Everyone Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse
phone: 95

Ethiopia: Women AWSAD
phone: (11) 124 2998/123 0777

Everyone UNFPA
phone: 7711

Guinea: Women phone: 60 28-11-89

Kenya: Women Coalition on Violence Against Women
phone: 733 594 794

Liberia: Women & Children (under 18)

phone: 919 527 0517

Mauritius: Women SOS Femmes
phone: 139

Morocco: Women ADFM Rabat
phone: (212) 2 82 64 00/01

Namibia: Everyone LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia
phone: 116

Niger: Abuse Helpline
phone: 227 74 12 55

Nigeria: Children (under 18) The Cece Yara Foundation
phone: 0800 800 8001

Women Women at Risk International Foundation
phone: 234 809 210 0009

Men Help for Victims of Matrimonial Abuse Foundation
phone: 08061282142

Older Adults (over 60) Dew Drop Foundation
phone: (+234) 908 016 1319

Republic of the Congo: Everyone National Police
phone: 05 548 59 95

Senegal: Women Comite de Lutte Contre Les Violences Faites Aux Femmes
phone: 221 33 941 44 11

Seychelles: Children (under 18) Child Helpline Seychelles
phone: 4322626

Adults Quality of Life Division Helpline – Ministry of Family, Youth, and Sport
phone: 2722293

Sierra Leone: Women & Children (under 18) Graceland Sierra Leone
phone: 240 215

Somalia: Women & Children (under 18) Save Somali Women And Children – SSWC
phone: +252 6184 72202

South Africa: Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 116

Women People Opposing Women Abuse
phone: 011 642 4345
Frida Hartley Shelter
phone: 0800 150 150

Men LifeLine
phone: 0800-150-150

Older Adults (over 60) Crime Stop
phone: 08600 10111

Sudan: Women General Union of Sudanese Women
phone: 9696

Tanzania: Women Kiwohede
phone: 0800 780 100

Tunisia: Women Union Nationale de la Femme Tunisienne
phone: (216) 7189 0011

Zambia: Women & Children (under 18) YWCA Council Of Zambia
phone: 1 25 52 04

Asia: Rampant Domestic Violence Is Linked to Cultural Trends

Following worldwide trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence in Asia has also increased. Reports indicate that in China, domestic violence hotline calls increased by 20%, while in South Korea, domestic violence reports increased by 30%, and in India, domestic violence cases increased by 40%.

With many people losing their jobs or having their hours reduced, it’s likely that arguments about finances have increased. This, combined with the anxiety and stress of the pandemic, as well as members of households being confined together for long periods, has resulted in frustrations being taken out on each other, often leading to abuse and violence.

Sadly women are affected far more in Asia, with 80% of domestic violence victims in China and 90% of victims in India being women. This is largely due to cultural attitudes in the region where women are often seen as subordinate to men and are, therefore, less likely to speak out or seek help if they are being abused.

Afghanistan: Women Afghan Women’s Resource Center
phone: +93 799 203 056, +93 700 280 179

Armenia: Women Women’s Support Center
phone: 099 887 808

Azerbaijan: Children (under 18) Child Helpline Azerbaijan
phone: 116111, 99 412 408 5696

Bahrain: Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: 17262237

Bangladesh: Women She Will Survive Abuse Helpline

phone: 966 4699

Bhutan: Women & Children (under 18) Information Centre for Women and Children
phone: (975) 2 332159/334751

Brunei: Women She Will Survive Abuse Helpline

phone: 673 340524

Cambodia: Women Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center
phone: 1288

China: Children (under 18) Child Abuse Hotline
phone: 12338

Women Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388

Men Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388

Older Adults (over 60) Red Maple
phone: 010-68333388

India: Children (under 18) Childline
phone: 1098

Women National Commission for Women
phone: 7827170170

Men Men Helpline
phone: +91-9911666498

Older Adults (over 60) The Dignity Foundation
phone: 18002678780

Indonesia: Children (under 18) Indonesian Commission for the Protection of Children
phone: 129

Women National Commission on Violence against Women
phone: + 6221 390 3922

Men The UN Refugee Agency
phone: +62 811 1000 424

Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Line
phone: 112

Iran: Everyone Organization for Defending Victims of Violence
phone: 21 88 96 30 91

Iraq: Women Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq
phone: 110

Israel: Women WAVO
phone: 1202

Japan: Women Women’s Resource Center
phone: 092 513 7333

Jordan: Women The Jordanian National Commission for Women
phone: 6 568 7037

Kyrgyzstan: Abuse Helpline

phone: 281 455

Laos: Domestic Violence Helpline

phone: 1362

Lebanon: Women Lebanese Council for Combating Violence Against Women
phone: 6 624 060

Myanmar: Women Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation
phone: 067-419-173

Nepal: Women The Women’s Foundation Nepal
phone: +977 1 515 5080

Saudi Arabia: Everyone MLSD 24-hour domestic violence helpline
phone: 1919

Singapore: Women Aware
phone: 18007775555

South Korea: Women Korea Women’s Hotline
phone: 1366

Sri Lanka: Everyone CCCLine
phone: 1333, 94 11 4 715585

Taiwan: Everyone 113 Protection Hotline
phone: 113

Tajikistan: Everyone Project on Prevention of Domestic Violence
phone: (91) 1892 221 527/198

Thailand: Children (under 18)

phone 1387

Everyone Social Help Centre
phone: 1300, 02 276 2950

Timor-Leste: Abuse Helpline

phone: 390 321 534

Turkey: Children (under 18) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Social Service Counseling Line
phone: 183

Women Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696

Men Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696
Older Adults (over 60) Emergency Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: +90 212 656 9696

Vietnam: Children (under 18) National Child Hotline
phone: 111

Women Accompanying Women’s Development Support Hotline
phone: 1900969680

Abuse Helpline CSAGA Gender Violence Hotline
phone: 024 3333 55 99, (971) 34 36/31 43

Yemen: Everyone Family Counseling & Development Foundation Yemen
phone: 136

South America: the Highest Rates of Gender-based Violence in the World

A study by the UN Women’s Office for South America found that domestic violence increased by 25% during the pandemic. The study also found that men were more likely to perpetrate violence than women and that the vast majority of victims were women between the ages of 18 and 34.

The increase in domestic violence can be attributed to a number of factors, including stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, social isolation, and economic insecurity. The UN Women’s study found that women who experienced violence were more likely to live in households with lower incomes, to have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and to have experienced anxiety and depression.

Argentina: Children (under 18) Childhelpline
phone: 102

Women, Men, and Older Adults Línea 144
phone: 144

Women & Children (under 18) There Is A Way Out Civil Association
phone: +54 9 11 6897-7876

Bolivia: Women Casa del Mujer
phone: 591 4 663 8517

Brazil: Children (under 18) TECA
phone: +55 21 2589 5656

Women, Men, and Older Adults Dial Human Rights
phone: 100

Chile: Women Red Chilena Contra la Violencia Hacia las Mujeres
phone: 800 104 008

Colombia: Children (under 18) Linea 106
phone: 106

Women 123 Mujer Hotline
phone: 123

Men, Older Adults (over 60) Línea Salvavidas
phone: 3117668666

Ecuador: Everyone Cepam Quito

phone: 098 63 62 526

Guyana: Women Fundación Sobrevivientes
phone: (592) 227-3454

Paraguay Women Linea mujer

phone: 137

Peru: Children (under 18) Fundación ANAR
phone: 0800 22210

Women PNP Women and Children Protection Center
phone: +63 919 777 7377

Men, Older Adults (over 60) Línea 100 Violencia familiar y sexual
phone: 100

Suriname: Women Stop Violence Against Women Foundation
phone: +597 470 0380

Trinidad and Tobago: Everyone Families in Action
phone: (868) 628-2333, 800 7283

Uruguay: Everyone Red Uruguaya Contra la Violencia Doméstica y Sexual
phone: 0800 4141

Venezuela: Women Fondo de Población de las Naciones Unidas
phone: 0800-MUJERES (6853737)

Oceania: the Highest Prevalence of Lifetime Intimate Partner Violence

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of domestic violence across Oceania. In Australia, for example, the National Domestic Violence Helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls since the pandemic began. Women’s shelters in New Zealand have also reported being full to capacity, with many women forced to sleep in their cars or on the streets.

The statistics on domestic violence are alarming, with one in four women in Australia and one in three women in New Zealand experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lives. In Fiji, the figure is even higher, with nearly half of all women reporting experiencing violence from a partner. While domestic violence affects women of all ages, it is particularly prevalent among young women. In Australia, for example, one in five women aged 18-24 experience violence from a current or former partner.

The impact of domestic violence goes beyond physical injury. Women who experience violence from a partner are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. They are also at greater risk of developing substance abuse problems and can have difficulty maintaining employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even harder for women to escape abusive relationships, with many shelters forced to close their doors due to the risk of infection. Women who are able to leave their partners often have nowhere to go, with many families unwilling to take them in for fear of contracting the virus.

The situation is particularly dire in Papua New Guinea, where there has been a marked increase in reports of domestic violence since the pandemic began. In a country where violence against women is already widespread, the pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with many women finding themselves trapped at home with their abusers.

Australia: Children (under 18) Kids Help Line
phone: +61 7 1800 55 1800

Women, Men, Older Adults (over 60) National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
phone: 1800 737 732

Fiji: Women Fiji Women’s Crisis Center
phone: 3313 300

Kiribati: Women & Children (under 18) Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre (KWCSC) Helpline:
phone: 191, landline: 750 21000

Police Domestic Violence and Sexual Offenses Unit The Commonwealth Says No More
phone: 26187

Marshall Islands: Women Women United Together Marshall Islands
phone: +692 625 5290

New Zealand: Children (under 18) Kidsline
phone: 0800 543 754

Women Women’s Refuge
phone: 0800 733 843

Men Shine
phone: 0508 744 633

Older Adults (over 60) Are You OK
phone: 0800 456 450

Papua New Guinea: Everyone 1-TOK Kaunselin Helpim Lain
phone: 71508000

Samoa: Everyone Samoa Victims Support
phone: 68522640

Solomon Islands: Everyone Empower Pacific
phone: +677 30065, 677 26999

Tonga: Women & Children (under 18) Women & Children Crisis Center Tonga
phone: +676 222 40

Vanuatu: Women Vanuatu Women’s Centre

phone: +678 25764

How can I tell if someone is being abused?

It’s not always clear. In many cases, you can hear the fights, pangs of violence, cries, or see a victim with bruises – while in many other cases, you won’t be close enough for that. There are critical indications you can be aware of, however, and know when you’re talking to a person in need of help.

For example: A person who said their abuser – a spouse, family member, or other type of partner – doesn’t let them communicate with their children, family, or friends, using Coronavirus as an excuse. Another indication is a person who has no financial control over their own lives and can’t spend any money without approval from their partner – not even for an office gift or a lunch. One more possible indication is a person who just won’t speak about their relationship or partner at all, mostly out of fear of repercussions.

What can I do to help?

Remember that many cases of Domestic Abuse end in murder. They also more frequently include rape, severe injuries, and unimaginable emotional scars – including (and often especially) for the children in the household. Therefore, it is your duty to help the authorities get to the victims and end their nightmare. This is how you’ll do it without risking your own life.

Don’t push the victim.
Sometimes it seems odd that a person being abused won’t file a complaint against their spouse or abuser to end her suffering – and people will just pressure her to do so. Remember that you don’t know what the victim has gone through, and reporting the abuse might be horrifying for them. Sometimes they try to protect their abuser out of fear, or a feeling that they deserve such abuse. Therefore, they will need your help – and not a lecture about how they need to stop suffering and help themselves.
Don’t be afraid to make an anonymous report.
Call the police if you hear an active, ongoing incident – you might very well be saving that victim’s life.
Call a support service.
Every one of the services listed here is well-trained in cooperating with the police, social services, and other relevant bodies. They can give you advice regarding the specific case at hand, and contact the victim themselves without mentioning you at all.
Avoid the abuser.
You’re trying to help a victim by getting the right professionals on the case, not by taking the law into your own hands or getting into trouble. Don’t talk to the abuser, even if you’re well acquainted, and don’t threaten them. Leave them for the cops and legal system.
Keep things confidential.
While helping a person in need is grounds for praise on social media, it might also expose that case and cause new or additional hardships for the victim. Also, a person who’s fishing for praise on Facebook or Twitter might play into the hands of the abuser’s lawyers, saying your report was dishonest as you were in it only to gain likes and popularity.