Germany’s national helpline for violence against women saw a record number of calls in 2024.

The helpline’s annual report, published on Monday, said the number was contacted 61,235 times.

The figure was more than three times higher than the 18,812 calls logged in 2013, according to the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA).

Enquiries about domestic and sexual violence made up the majority of the calls, at 72%, the report said.

“These figures show how important the helpline is as a support service for women affected by violence,” said BAFzA President Martina Hannak.

According to the latest report, 75% of those seeking advice were themselves affected by violence, while family members and friends accounted for 20% and professionals 4%.

Similarly to previous years, 89% of contacts were made by telephone, with the rest using online counselling such as instant chats.

The helpline was set up in March 2013. The 116 016 number is available around the clock throughout Europe.

Around 100 counsellors help women affected by violence free of charge, anonymously and confidentially, in several languages.

Contact can also be made via chat or email.

In addition to providing support in acute crisis situations, the hotline also refers affected women and girls to local advice centres and women’s shelters where they can seek protection.