Need help in the EU? Call a local 116000 number!

Are you a victim of trafficking or otherwise forced into prostitution?

THEN PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH OR THE POLICE (ARE YOU AFRAID, THAT THE POLICE IS CORRUPT IN YOUR COUNTRY – GO TO THE CHURCH!)

They will guide you to the local NGO that helps victims of trafficking.

Do you just need someone to talk to?

The Commission has reserved the family of 116000 telephone numbers for social services help-lines. They will help citizens in need, who can use the same number all over the European Union.

Number 116000 for parents to report missing children is being implemented. No. 116111, a children's help-line and 116123, an adult helpline e.g. for girls trafficked, will soon be realities as well.

What is an 116000 number?

The 116000 numbers are free phone numbers to be used throughout Europe in situations of need or distress.

If you have a problem, when travelling abroad in Europe, you only have to remember one number instead of several ones.

So far one number – 116000 – is going live. This number is to be used to report missing children. Two other numbers are planned. 116111 will aim to provide emotional and practical support to children with problems in school or with parents. Their concerns can range from relationship problems to real emergency situation like getting help for suicidal tendencies or to escape from a sexual trafficking ring.

The number 116123 are to help adults in crisis. It gives moral support to them – or advice where to go for further help. These services are for individuals. No prior registration is necessary and there are no fees for callers.

Why is the European Union interested in 116000 help numbers?

Special free phone numbers providing services of a social nature exist throughout Europe but different countries use different numbers for the same service.

Common numbers will give a European identity to the services, and facilitate the provision of services at a European level. It will also greatly help European travellers who will be able to use the same number everywhere in Europe.

The services can be used as a tool to report social evils and to get assistance, thus contributing to the wellbeing of European citizens.

Is an 116000 number already a reality in your Member State?

Four Member States - Belgium, Portugal, Greece and Denmark - have assigned number 116000 to members of the Federation for Missing Children Europe. However, it is not yet known when the service will be launched.

Seven other Member States have completed the preparatory work and opened number 116000 for assignment to a service provider. They are Austria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia.

The Commission will continue to receive replies to the public consultation, and will also follow developments in Member States closely. New 116000 numbers may become reserved for other services.

If you are a trafficked victim and need urgent help, and the no. 116111 or 116123 is not ready in the country, where you are, please call the police – the police are there to help you – ask them for immediate help!

IF YOU ARE AFRAID THAT THE POLICE MIGHT BE CORRUPT PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST CHURCH TO SEEK HELP!