Last year, the women's frontline answered about 36,000 calls. In 2019, they will have received over 40,000 calls - which is the highest number measured so far.

"This is a big increase," says Åsa Witkowski, director of patient operations at the National Center for Women's Peace (NCK).

She thinks the causes can be multiple; increased vulnerability, a changed sex crime legislation, increased awareness of the support line and that more professionals in health care and social services today have the skills to help women at risk.

Medial attention leads to more conversations

Åsa Witkowski believes that it has also become more permissible to talk about violence in close relationships. She mentions the media attention on the #metoo movement and SVT's documentary on Josefin Nilsson as two significant starting shots in the debate.

- This has led to more dares to tell about their vulnerability, and has led to more people calling the women's peace line, says Åsa Witkowski.

Increased staffing during weekends

During the year, the women's freedom line has been strengthened with extra staff during the weekends, but also during the summer months. However, during Christmas and New Year, conversations do not increase compared to regular work weeks, according to Åsa Witkowski.

- This may be because, among other things, it is more difficult to call, because you spend more time together and may be isolated with the perpetrator with whom you live together.

What support can women who are subjected to violence get from you on the women's peace line?

- The most important thing, which the women also tell us, is that someone is listening and believing in what they say. Getting to hear yourself tell is often a first step, after which you can think about whether you need protected housing or other alternatives, depending on the situation, says Åsa Witkowski.

The Women's Freedom Line can also provide suggestions for alternatives and information about various businesses that can help you where you live.