giftlinje

Giftlinjen, or giftlinje, is a telephone and online support service in Sweden that offers confidential help to individuals experiencing domestic violence. The service is operated by the Swedish Society for Family Support (Familjeskapet), a non‑governmental organization that was established in 2009 to fill a gap in professional support for victims of aggression within families or intimate relationships. Giftlinjen is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by trained counselors who provide immediate emotional support, information about legal rights, and practical guidance on how to secure safety and plan a way forward.

The core mission of the giftlinje is to lower barriers to help by offering a free, anonymous, and non‑judgmental space where victims can talk openly about their situation. Counselors review the content of each conversation and, when appropriate, direct callers to additional services such as psychological care, shelter housing, legal aid, or psychiatric treatment. The service is also used by family members and friends who are concerned about someone they know, providing them with coping strategies and education about how to support their loved one.

Giftlinjen is funded through a mix of private donations, grants from the Swedish government, and corporate sponsorships. Despite its reliance on volunteer and part‑time staff, the line has expanded rapidly since its inception; in 2024 it handled approximately 100,000 calls, a 35 % increase over the previous year. The line’s effectiveness is monitored through regular evaluations that track response times, caller satisfaction, and referral rates. By partnering with local police, health services, and community organizations, giftlinjen aids in creating a multi‑layered safety net for people facing domestic violence across Sweden.