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Safety · Germany
Updated September 2026

🆘 I am experiencing violence at home — where do I get help now?

Direct answer

You are not alone and there is a way out. Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (116 016) is the confidential helpline for Germany — free, day and night, for you or for someone you are worried about; they arrange shelter, legal help and a safety plan, and nothing happens without your consent. In immediate danger, Polizei — Onlinewache (polizei.de) — the police can remove the violent person from the home and issue a barring order the same day in most EU countries. WEISSER RING (116 006) supports you afterwards, free, with the report, the court and the practical side.

Call firstHilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen
Report toPolizei — Onlinewache
If that failsWEISSER RING

🗣️ What to say

"I am [being hurt / threatened] by my [partner / family member] at [address]. [I am in danger now / I am safe for the moment.] I would like to talk about my options — shelter, a protection order, and what happens if I report it."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Safe firstIf you can, go to a neighbour, a friend, a shop. Take your phone and ID if it is safe to.
  2. Call Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen FrauenAnytime. They listen, they do not push, and they know every option in your area.
  3. Danger now: Polizei — OnlinewachePolice can bar the violent person from the home for days or weeks without you having to leave.
  4. Evidence, when safePhotos of injuries, a doctor's note, dated messages, witnesses. Useful later; never a condition for help.
  5. Afterwards: WEISSER RINGFree support through the report, protection orders, housing and money. You decide the pace.

📇 All contacts

Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen FrauenFree, anonymous, 24/7, 18 languages; sheltersFor domestic violence — victims and relatives📞 116 016🔗 www.hilfetelefon.de
Polizei — OnlinewacheOnline report, reference number immediatelyAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform🔗 www.polizei.de/Polizei/DE/Einrichtungen/Onlinewache/onlinewache_node.html
WEISSER RINGVictim support: advice, accompaniment, compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 weisser-ring.de
Hilfetelefon Sexueller Missbrauch / FrauennotrufSupport and accompaniment after sexual violenceAnytime, also without a report📞 0800 22 55 530🔗 www.hilfe-portal-missbrauch.de
Amtsgericht — Beratungshilfe / ProzesskostenhilfeFree legal advice and court costs on low incomeWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.bmj.de/DE/themen/gerichtsverfahren/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe/beratungshilfe_prozesskostenhilfe_node.html

❓ Frequently asked

Will they take my children away?

The aim of every service is to keep you and the children safe together. Talking to the helpline is not a report to child protection.

I have no income of my own

Shelters are free; emergency financial help and housing priority exist for victims. The helpline arranges it.

My residence permit depends on my partner

Victims of domestic violence have a separate right to stay in most EU countries. Ask the helpline for a specialised legal adviser — leaving does not mean deportation.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “domestic violence helpline Germany”
  • “help partner violence Germany”
  • “barring order abusive partner”
  • “women shelter Germany”
  • “protection order domestic violence”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

👁️Stalking→🫂Sexual violence→🆔Identity theft→💻Online harassment→

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