Resources
Where to get help in Romania
Free services and institutions you can turn to when your rights are not respected. Checked on 8 October 2026.
Emergency
- 112
- Single emergency number: police, ambulance, fire. Free from any phone.
Domestic violence
- 0800 500 333
- National helpline for victims of domestic violence, run by the National Agency for Equal Opportunities (ANES). Free, open 24/7.
- Provisional protection order
- The police can issue it on the spot for 5 days when there is an imminent risk to your life, safety or freedom (Law 217/2003, amended in 2018).
- Protection order from the court
- You can request it at the local court (judecătoria). The police must give you information and the application form.
Children
- 119
- National number for reporting abuse, neglect or exploitation of children. Free from any network, open 24/7.
Discrimination
- National Council for Combating Discrimination (CNCD)
- Anyone can file a petition, free of charge, within one year of the act of discrimination. cncd.ro
Problems with public institutions
- Ombudsman (Avocatul Poporului)
- Handles complaints against public authorities that violate your rights. Free. avp.ro
Problems at work
- Labour Inspectorate (ITM)
- Report undeclared work, unpaid hours or a contract that does not match reality to the inspectorate in your county, including online. inspectiamuncii.ro
Free legal help
- Public legal aid (ajutor public judiciar)
- If you cannot afford a lawyer or court fees, you can ask the court for legal aid (Government Emergency Ordinance 51/2008).
- Bar association legal aid services
- Each county bar has a service that can appoint a lawyer for people who qualify for legal aid.
European level
- European Court of Human Rights
- After using all remedies in Romania, you have 4 months from the final national decision to apply. echr.coe.int
- Petitions to the European Parliament
- Any EU citizen or resident can petition the Parliament on a matter within the EU's fields of activity. europarl.europa.eu
- European Ombudsman
- For problems with EU institutions and agencies, not with national authorities. ombudsman.europa.eu
This page gives general information, not legal advice. Laws and contact details change: always check the official website of the institution. If you are in danger, call 112.