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| Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy (middle) and delegates perform the activation ceremony, officially launching the 117 hotline into operation__Photo: vov.vn |
National hotline 117 for domestic violence prevention has recently been launched, operating around the clock to receive reports of violence cases, provide initial counselling and connect victims with protection and support services nationwide.
Hotline 117 is built on the basis of upgrading the former hotline 1800 1768, operated by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, drawing on nearly five years of experience in supporting victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
The national hotline is designed to provide those in need with timely assistance through a victim-centred approach that prioritises their safety and protection.
Every call or message received by the hotline is immediately assessed by a telephone operator to determine the level of risk and identify appropriate intervention measures.
Depending on the severity of each case, callers may be referred to healthcare facilities, legal aid centres, or commune-level police or authorities for emergency intervention.
The hotline also follows up on cases after referrals have been made to ensure continued support, with priority given to children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy said activation of the hotline demonstrated the Government’s commitment to implementing the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control.
She emphasised that effective coordination between the hotline and commune-level police and People’s Committees as well as assistance centres would be essential to ensuring that reports of domestic violence cases are handled promptly and in accordance with law.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam Matt Jackson emphasised that a single phone call could be the first step towards safety, protection and assistance for someone experiencing violence.
He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to helping develop the hotline into a reliable and responsive service with effective connections to local protection and support networks.
From the perspective of an accompanying partner, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird highlighted the significance of transforming a pilot initiative operated by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union with support from development partners into a nationwide service managed and resourced by the Government of Vietnam.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it will continue working with relevant ministries, local authorities, service providers and UNFPA to improve service quality, strengthen interdisciplinary coordination and allocate resources for the hotline’s operation.
The ministry will also focus on strengthening its capacity to identify and respond to emerging forms of violence, particularly technology-facilitated gender-based violence, while improving access of ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups to support services.- (VLLF)
