Women with migration background living in Estonia are invited to participate in a project that focuses on seeking help in domestic violence situations.

The first phase of the project we carry out the mapping together with Institute of Baltic Studies to better understand the domestic violence experiences of migrant women who live in Estonia, the main barriers to getting help, awareness of support options in Estonia, and what would make help easier to access.

The results will be used to improve the information and guidance available both to migrant women and to organisations that work with them.

The second phase of the project happens in autumn 2026 where we will hold co-creation workshops. In these workshops women can validate the needs identified in the study and help us to brainstorm, how support could be made more accessible to women with migration background. The workshops are planned in Russian and English, with interpretation arranged when needed.

In addition, in autumn and winter 2026 information sessions will be organised in different parts of Estonia so that women can learn more about their rights and about existing support options.

If you are a woman with a migration background living in Estonia, your experience and your views matter. Please share your thoughts by taking part in the survey

If you would like to join the co-creation workshops and/or information sessions, you can already express your interest here, so we can send more information about upcoming events: pre-register for workshops or information sessions

According to Victim Support statistics, in 2025 women’s support centers provided counselling to 1,743 women on a total of 9,151 occasions. Data from Statistics Estonia’s Relationship Survey (2024) show that 41% of women have experienced intimate partner violence during their lifetime. These women come from very different backgrounds and profiles, yet one target group has remained largely overlooked: women with a migration background living in Estonia, who often have fewer opportunities to leave situations of domestic violence and protect their rights.

If you need help:
Seekin help can be difficult and scary, but please know: you are not alone and support does exist.
If you need quick or professional help, please contact:

call 112 – if you are in danger and need immediate help;
call 116 006 – free 24/7 victim support crisis phone where you can get support in case of emotional abuse, threats, and other issues, or use chatbot at www.palunabi.ee;
call 1492 – phone of women shelters where you can get anonymous consultation and safe shelter if you need it.

This joint project by the Institute of Baltic Studies and International House Tartu aims at helping women with migration background to access help in case of domestic violence.

The project “Mapping of needs of migrant women living in Estonia, and empowering the women, and creating materials for organisatsions working with migrant women” lasts from 1.04.2026 to 31.03.2027 and is financed by European Union.

Project costs:
Institute of Baltic Studies 35000 eur
International House Tartu: 25000 eur

Views and opinions expressed in the project are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Euroopa Liit ega Euroopa Komisjon ei vastuta nende eest.