Around the clock

Styrian hotline on relationship violence launches

State Councillors Doris Kampus (left) and Simone Schmiedtbauer (right) with Michaela Gosch, Managing Director of the Styrian Women's Shelters.(Bild: Land Steiermark)

From April 2, there will be a new 24-hour help hotline in Styria. Callers can obtain anonymous advice on all aspects of relationship violence on the free number 0800 20 44 22. 

The Styrian help hotline on the subject of relationship violence will be launched on April 2 on the toll-free number 0800 20 44 22. According to a press release from the province of Styria, it will serve as an anonymous and free first point of contact for questions about violence in relationships or relationship crises that occur in the run-up to violence and will quickly refer those affected to counseling services. 

No victims have had contact with counseling services
With the help hotline, which is operated by the Styrian Women's Shelter, Styria is expanding its violence protection services with a help hotline for all cases - also in response to the numerous acts of violence against women in Styria last year.

"Although there are already many advice centers in Styria, none of the victims of the past year had any contact. The Styrian helpline, which is now in operation, is a first point of contact for all those affected," says Styrian Social Affairs Minister Doris Kampus. 

The helpline is aimed at all people in Styria of a relationship-capable age - from young people to senior citizens.