Vietnam launches 117 national hotline for domestic violence support

Vietnam has officially launched the 117 national hotline, a 24/7 service dedicated to preventing and combating domestic violence. The initiative was established by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Vietnam Farmers' Union and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The 117 hotline serves as a comprehensive upgrade to the previous 1800 1768 hotline. It is designed to receive reports and denunciations of domestic violence, provide initial counseling, and connect victims with appropriate local protection and support services. This development follows the 2022 Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control.

The launch addresses a critical gap in support services. According to a 2019 national survey, nearly 63% of married women in Vietnam aged 15 to 64 have experienced at least one form of violence from a spouse or partner. Notably, 90.4% of those who experienced violence did not seek help from official services or authorities, and half never told anyone about their situation.