Because despite many fundamentally good measures and laws in the protection of violence and victims, the extent is alarmingly high and has even increased recently, said Maria Rösslhumer, Managing Director of the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (AÖF). “The serious violence and the murders of women also increase every year from 2014 to 2018, such cases “even more than doubled”. This year 28 women were killed, in most cases by husbands, partners or ex-partners.
“Get men on board”
“The main message is: everyone can make a contribution,” Rösslhumer called for a “clear stance” and civil courage. The video spot presented by the information center against violence is about not laughing at hurtful “jokes” or supporting those affected by violence instead of attributing partial blame to them.
It is important to get more men on board. Actor Thomas Weilharter has his say in the Hekate Film Collective video. “Men, who are not affected, often do not see the problem. Other men want to get involved but don’t know how,” so education is important.
help for women
Women’s helpline against violence on 0800 222 555, 24 hours a day, anonymous, free and multilingual
Online advice for girls and women in HelpChat, daily 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., multilingual: stop the violence
The women’s shelter emergency number is available around the clock on 05 77 22. The counseling center of the Vienna women’s shelters can be reached during the day on 512 38 39. In the event of direct violence, those affected should always call the police on 133.
In this context, Rösslhumer referred to Spain as a “model country”. “There, the government runs and finances awareness-raising campaigns against violence.” Success is also evaluated. At the same time, she thanked the Ministry of Social Affairs for making the ongoing campaign possible. Further campaigns are to follow, including those with a focus on professional groups that deal with issues and the consequences of violence, such as the media, police, social work and the health and care sector.
Empowerment center for girls
It is also about strengthening those affected so that they can defend themselves in the first place, it was emphasized. A new “empowerment center” for girls affected by violence, which will open its doors in Vienna-Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus in the first quarter of 2023, is intended to make a contribution to this. “The project was initially financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs for one year with 363,000 euros and is intended to reach 300 to 400 girls,” said Rösslhumer.