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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about the National Women’s Helpline can be found here. Select a category to view the questions.

Using the chat

Can I chat in a language other than Swedish?

No, the chat service is only available in Swedish. If you need support in another language, please call us.
Can I still call the helpline?

Yes, you can still call the helpline as usual.
Can I chat if I am a professional contacting on behalf of someone else?

No, if you are contacting us as a professional, we ask that you call us instead.
Is there a cost to use the chat?

No, the chat is completely free of charge.
What happens if many people want to chat at the same time? Can the chat become full?

If many people want to chat at the same time, you may be placed in a queue. If the queue is full, you may need to try again later.
Who answers the chat?

The same staff who answer calls on the helpline also answer the chat. They have experience in supporting people in crisis and difficult life situations.
Is the chat saved or stored?

No, the chat is not saved or stored. This means it is deleted immediately after the chat ends.
Can someone see that I have been chatting?

The conversation disappears after you close the chat. However, to protect your privacy, we recommend that you clear your browser history after you finish chatting.
Can I send pictures or files in the chat?

No, you cannot send files or pictures in the chat. It is also not possible to send emojis.
Can I resume a previous chat?

No, it is not possible to resume a previous chat. Once the chat ends, it is permanently deleted and cannot be continued later.
How long can I chat?

You and the staff member decide together how long the chat lasts. Most chats last up to 45 minutes. If you don’t send any messages for 15 minutes, the chat will close automatically.
How do I start a chat?
1. Click the circle with the speech bubble icon at the bottom right corner of the page.
2. A window will open with information about the chat.
- If the chat is closed, you are welcome to return when it is open. You can also call us for support.
- If the chat is open, you can choose to fill in your gender identity and age before joining the queue. This information helps us better support you, but it is completely optional.
1. Click the “Start chat” button. You will then see a window showing your place in the queue.
  You cannot send messages while you are waiting. You can use other apps or browse other pages while you wait, but remember to check back regularly to see if you have reached the front of the queue.
2. When it is your turn, a staff member will send you a message and you can start chatting. It is not possible to choose which staff member you chat with.
3. If we do not receive a message from you within 15 minutes after the chat has started, the chat will end automatically.
4. When you’re done chatting, close the chat by clicking the “X” in the top right corner of the chat window. A message will appear asking, “Are you sure you want to end the chat?” Click “Yes” to end the chat. To remove the chat history and fully close the chat window, click the “X” in the top right corner once more.
Is the chat anonymous?

Yes, you can remain completely anonymous while chatting.
We cannot see your IP address or the device you are using.
Do I have to answer any questions to start chatting?

When you open the chat, you have the option to fill in your age and gender identity.
Answering these questions is completely voluntary.
Do I need to create an account to use the chat?

No, you don’t need to create an account to access the chat.
When is the chat available?

The chat is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3 PM to 9 PM, and on Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Who can use the chat?

Anyone, regardless of age, is welcome to use the chat, which is available in Swedish.

Who can contact us?

Can I remain anonymous when I contact Kvinnofridslinjen?

Yes, whether you choose to call or chat, you can remain anonymous and only share what you feel comfortable with.
Can I contact Kvinnofridslinjen if I don’t speak Swedish?

Yes, if you call us we can arrange for an interpreter. Just let us know which language you would like to speak, and stay on the line. It may take up to ten minutes for the interpreter to join the call. Please note that our chat service is only available in Swedish.
I don’t know if what I’ve been subjected to is what you’d call violence. Can I still call Kvinnofridslinjen?

Yes, you can call Kvinnofridslinjen for advice and support even if you’re unsure, or if you have any questions about violence.
I’m a man, can I call Kvinnofridslinjen?

Yes, everyone is welcome to call Kvinnofridslinjen. You can also call ”Stödlinjen för män”, Sweden’s national support line for men who have been subjected to domestic abuse or sexual violence. The line is open daily between 7–21 (7 am – 9 pm). Call 020-80 80 80.
I’m a transgender and/or non-binary person, can I contact Kvinnofridslinjen?

Yes, you can contact Kvinnofridslinjen if you’re a trans person, regardless of your gender identity. You can also call ”Stödlinjen för transpersoner”, Sweden’s national support line for transgender people who have been subjected to domestic abuse or sexual violence. The line is open daily between 11–19 (11 am – 7 pm). Call 020-55 00 00.
Can I contact Kvinnofridslinjen if I’m in a same-sex relationship?

Yes, you can contact Kvinnofridslinjen if you’re in a same-sex relationship.
Can I call Kvinnofridslinjen even if I haven’t decided to leave my violent relationship?

Yes, you can call Kvinnofridslinjen and get support and advice even if you haven’t decided to leave.
Can I call Kvinnofridslinjen if I’m deaf or have impaired hearing/speech?

Yes, you can use the Texttelefoni service to call Kvinnofridslinjen if you have impaired hearing/speech. The call will appear on your phone bill as a call to Texttelefoni.
Can I call Kvinnofridslinjen as a family member or friend?

Yes, you’re welcome to call us if you’re a relative of someone who’s a victim of threats or violence.
Can I reach out to Kvinnofridslinjen as a colleague or manager of someone who has experienced violence?

Yes, you’re welcome to contact us if you are a colleague or manager of someone who has been subjected to threats or violence.
Can I call Kvinnofridslinjen if I encounter victims of violence in my work?

Yes, professionals who encounter victims of violence in their work can contact Kvinnofridslinjen for advice.

What help is available?

What can Kvinnofridslinjen help me with?

You can call Kvinnofridslinjen if you want to talk to someone about your experiences, or if there’s anything you want to ask about domestic violence or sexual assault.

Our job is to listen and provide professional support. You can also get information on support available to you. We can provide information on how to contact social services or healthcare services. We can also tell you how to report crimes such as assault, threats or sexual assault to the police.
How can Kvinnofridslinjen help me if I’m a manager responsible for a victim of violence, or if I encounter victims of violence in my work?

Professionals can call us for advice and support. You can refer the victim of violence to us, or call Kvinnofridslinjen together with the victim.

We can suggest different services that can provide support, such as social services, sheltered accommodation or shelters for women or girls.
Can Kvinnofridslinjen help me call social services or the police?

No, Kvinnofridslinjen can’t call other services for you. But we can give you contact details for various agencies. Always call 112 in an emergency.
Can Kvinnofridslinjen help with practical matters such as somewhere to live or contact with a lawyer?

No, Kvinnofridslinjen can’t help you arrange accommodation or contact a lawyer, for example. However, our staff can give you examples of who you can contact, such as social services and/or a women’s shelter in the place where you live.

About Kvinnofridslinjen

Who runs Kvinnofridslinjen?

Kvinnofridslinjen is run by the National Centre for Knowledge on Men’s Violence against Women at Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital, on behalf of the government.
Who works at Kvinnofridslinjen?

Staff at Kvinnofridslinjen have experience in supporting people facing crises and challenging life situations, such as social workers and nurses.
How can I help spread the word about Kvinnofridslinjen?

You can order different types of information material here on the website that you can leave in waiting rooms and put on notice boards, for example. The information material can be ordered free of charge.

There are also information videos about Kvinnofridslinjen for distribution on social media or showing on information screens.
Does Kvinnofridslinjen accept donations of clothing, toys or money?

No, we don’t. Kvinnofridslinjen is a helpline funded by the state, so we can’t accept donations. But that said many women’s shelters accept donations of various kinds.
How do I apply for a job at Kvinnofridslinjen?

Vacancies are advertised via Region Uppsala. Go to the Region Uppsala website to view our vacancies. Social workers and nurses with at least five years of professional experience work at Kvinnofridslinjen.

Calling the helpline

When is Kvinnofridslinjen open?

Kvinnofridslinjen is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do I have to pay to call Kvinnofridslinjen?

No, calls to Kvinnofridslinjen are free of charge.
Can I contact Kvinnofridslinjen by texting, chatting or emailing instead of phoning?

Kvinnofridslinjen mainly offers support by phone. There is also a chat service available in Swedish on our website. We do not offer support via email or text messages.
Can I call if I’m outside Sweden?

No, you can only call Kvinnofridslinjen from within Sweden. However, you can access our chat service in Swedish from anywhere in the world. If you call 116 016 from another country that is connected to the EU helpline number, you will be connected to that country’s national support line for victims of violence. Kvinnofridslinjen also has a partnership with Åland, which means you can call the support line from Åland. In that case, the number to call is 018-25 500, and the call is charged as a local call. On the phone bill, the call will appear as a call to the Government of Åland.

Call us

020-50 50 50

Kvinnofridslinjen is open 24 hours a day and provides support to anyone who’s been subjected to threats and violence. Calls are free and won’t appear on your phone bill.