The number of calls to the All-Russian Women's Helpline has increased more than one and a half times.
In the first half of 2026, employees of the All-Russian Helpline for Women fixed 16,280 calls. This is 52,3% more than in the same period last year. Experts note not only an increase in the number of calls but also a change in the nature of complaints.
Physical violence has taken first place
Specifically, physical violence was the main reason for reporting it—81% of women surveyed reported it, compared to the previous year's prevalence of emotional and psychological pressure. Four in ten victims suffered physical injuries, one in six (16%) reported death threats, and one in ten reports was related to stalking by a former partner.
Furthermore, in 87% of cases, the perpetrators were never held accountable. Ultimately, 92% of women rated the police service and assistance as unsatisfactory.
Vulnerability of pregnant women and threat to children
One in four women seeking assistance was pregnant or on maternity leave. Consequently, the most vulnerable groups of citizens are often at risk.
Furthermore, 28% of women stated that their abuser used violence not only against them but also against their children (the figure was 16% a year earlier). The leading regions for reporting abuse were Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Krai, Bashkortostan, as well as Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Novosibirsk, and Samara Oblasts.
Context: Official statistics and the delay of the law
According to Russia's report to the UN, in 2024, there will be deaths from domestic violence perished 963 women—almost half of all women killed in the country this year. In turn, the Scientific Portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicatesthat no more than 23% of people accused of causing minor bodily harm in everyday life are held liable.
As a result, authors of relevant studies and human rights activists emphasize that the adoption of a relevant law on the prevention of domestic violence in the country is being unacceptably delayed.
