Austria's Frauenhelpline sees record demand as calls surge in 2025

More people are turning to Austria's Frauenhelpline for support. Calls to the service have risen sharply, with a notable increase in 2025. The helpline now handles a wider range of concerns beyond domestic and sexual violence.

In 2025, the helpline received around 5,000 calls, marking an 11 percent rise from the previous year. Over the past two years, overall contacts have grown by roughly 20 percent. This follows a period of relative stability between 2021 and 2024, when annual calls hovered between 20,000 and 25,000.

Victims of domestic or sexualised violence—and their close friends and family—are seeking help more often. At the same time, more women without direct experience of violence are reaching out. Many now ask for advice on relationship struggles and mental health.

The number of men contacting the helpline has stayed low but consistent. Reports show about 300 cases involving male callers each year.

The rise in calls reflects growing demand for the helpline's services. While violence-related cases remain a core concern, broader issues like mental well-being are also driving more people to seek support. Official figures confirm the upward trend in recent years.