Helplines in Costa Rica.

Reach out to a hotline in Costa Rica for support with abuse and domestic violence

Domestic violence is any action or behaviour from a partner or spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend or family member that aims to control you. For some, this is physical violence, for others it takes the form of verbal, emotional, sexual or financial abuse.

One in three women and one in three men have experienced abuse or domestic violence. You might be afraid of reaching out for support. However, there are people who are equipped and willing to help you. Consider reaching out to any of the 1 hotlines in Costa Rica who with abuse and domestic violence if you are experiencing these signs:

• Your partner/family member is constantly trying to convince you you’re crazy and makes you doubt your experiences (also known as gaslighting)
• Your partner/family member has told you they will commit suicide if you leave
• You are being isolated from friends and family members
• Being forced to have sex or perform other sexual activities that you don’t want to
• Avoiding certain topics so that you don’t anger your partner/family member
• You are being controlled by your partner/family member
• Any form of physical harm (hitting, slapping, strangling, kicking, burning, cutting)
• Your partner/family member is acting excessively jealously

After months or years of abusive behaviour from your partner or family member, you might doubting yourself and your sanity. However, this is your abuser talking. The abuse, and everything associated with it, is not your fault.

If you're experiencing abuse and domestic violence, feeling scared is perfectly natural. You could be doubtful and convinced that there’s no way out. Talking to someone in Costa Rica who understands how abusive relationships work might help you feel less hopeless and powerless.

If you are ready to talk to someone about your experiences of abuse or domestic violence, you can contact a hotline in Costa Rica for free and confidential support.