A new free crisis line for women who have become victims of violence has started operating in the Czech Republic. For help or advice, you can call the number 116 016, which applies to the entire European Union. Support works 24/7, can be anonymous. In addition to Czech, it is also available in English or Ukrainian. The operation of the line was presented at a press conference today by representatives of the Rosa organization, which provides the operation.
“Unfortunately, the numbers (of victims) are similar and very high in all EU countries. Every third woman has experienced some form of violence from a partner during her lifetime. The situation is specific and requires specific help,” said Rosa Branislava, head of the organization’s crisis assistance Marvánová Vargová.
She reminded that the Union numbers with the area code 116 always have lines for people in difficult situations. The Council of Europe decided two years ago to assign a single point of contact in the EU for women facing violence. She called on the member states to put the line into operation, said Marvánová Vargová.
In the Czech Republic, the crisis center of the Rosa organization provides operations. He is in charge of the operation for five years. Six trained employees attend to the callers. “The line is free. Women can also call anonymously. Many women are ashamed of the violence they experience. Sometimes they are high-ranking women, or their partner is a publicly known person,” said Marvánová Vargová.
The number 116 016 should work in all EU countries. According to the head of crisis assistance, women will be able to use it even on vacation or during a longer stay abroad, if they become victims of violence.
According to experts on the issue of violence, the availability of help plays a significant role in solving cases. According to the analysis of specialized services, the coverage in the Czech Republic is insufficient. “According to the recommendation, we should have 1,000 safe family places. One represents three beds for a woman and children. We have 90 of them and they are only in big cities,” said Rosa, head of services. She added that people tend to have a long way to go even to counseling and outpatient services, which is why it is important to quickly reach crisis support by phone.
According to Marvánová Vargová, the financing of the line with a universal European number is uncertain. Organizations must apply to the Ministry of Labor for subsidies each year. It is not so clear whether he will get the money and how much it will be. The allocated amount for the given year will only be received in the spring, representatives of the Rosa organization explained the situation.
The Rosa organization also has a second line for victims in its crisis center with the toll-free number 800 60 50 80. Since the beginning of the center’s operation in June 2022, the workers have dealt with over 8,800 questions and requests for help by phone, chat or email.
Source: www.tyden.cz
