Worried about someone close to you?

You’re also welcome to call Kvinnofridslinjen for advice and support if you’re a relative, friend, colleague or boss of someone who’s been subjected to threats or violence. We’re open 24 hours a day, and calls are free.

How you can help

Knowing or suspecting that someone you know is a victim of violence often causes frustration, but there are things you can do to help as a relative.

Listen without questioning

Listen without judging or questioning what you’re being told. Victims of violence often feel guilt and shame, and such feelings can be reinforced if you question them. Don’t push the person into something they’re not ready for.

Stay in touch

Isolation is often part of the violence, and you might well wonder why a friend or relative never gets in touch. But if you suspect violence, stay in touch and check in from time to time. Keeping friends can make a big difference to victims of violence.

Keep asking questions

Ask questions about violence if you see any signs indicating that something isn’t quite right. Victims of violence in a relationship rarely talk spontaneously, so you have to actively ask questions about violence.

Tell them help is available

Tell them they can contact Kvinnofridslinjen for advice and guidance, or seek help from local shelters for women or girls. They can also get help from social services. In an emergency, call 112.

Let the person know you’re there for them

Make it clear you’re there if the person needs help, and that you’ll remain in their life even if they choose to continue the relationship with their partner.

Listen without questioning

Listen without judging or questioning what you’re being told. Victims of violence often feel guilt and shame, and such feelings can be reinforced if you question them. Don’t push the person into something they’re not ready for.

Keep asking questions

Ask questions about violence if you see any signs indicating that something isn’t quite right. Victims of violence in a relationship rarely talk spontaneously, so you have to actively ask questions about violence.

Let the person know you’re there for them

Make it clear you’re there if the person needs help, and that you’ll remain in their life even if they choose to continue the relationship with their partner.

Stay in touch

Isolation is often part of the violence, and you might well wonder why a friend or relative never gets in touch. But if you suspect violence, stay in touch and check in from time to time. Keeping friends can make a big difference to victims of violence.

Tell them help is available

Tell them they can contact Kvinnofridslinjen for advice and guidance, or seek help from local shelters for women or girls. They can also get help from social services. In an emergency, call 112.

Call us

020-50 50 50

Kvinnofridslinjen is open 24 hours a day and provides support to victims of threats and violence. Relatives can also call for advice and support. Calls are free.