Volkshilfe calls for real measures to protect against violence instead of debates about criminal responsibility

2024-03-04 13:17:11

Fenninger fundamentally rejects the reduction of criminal responsibility

Vienna (OTS) – “We followed with horror the reports of a rape of a 12-year-old child by a group of boys. This case is unbearable, the child affected now needs the best medical, psychosocial, financial and therapeutic support. But more is needed. Every victim of macho and patriarchal violence has the right to politicians and the administration taking serious steps to protect all women and girls in this country,” said Erich Fenninger, Director of Volkshilfe Austria.

No reduction in criminal responsibility
The discussion about lowering the age of criminal responsibility repeatedly flares up in populist terms when particularly brutal and terrible crimes are committed by people under the age of 14. It is particularly led by right-wing populist and conservative politicians based on specific causes, while hardly any experts can be found who support such a demand. According to Fenninger, himself a social worker, the Chancellor’s initiative lacks scientific evidence. Because child-specific deviance usually looks different and cannot be compared with the brutal crimes that have become known. A reduction in the age of criminal responsibility would affect all children and young people. Experts also say that lowering the age of criminal responsibility does not have a “frightening” and therefore preventive effect.

Volkshilfe calls for protection against violence and effective measures
Fenninger criticizes the instrumentalization of those affected: “Austria has a problem with violence that comes from toxic masculinity. This case proves that, as do the many women that Austria has lost to femicides in recent years. We should now use this as an opportunity to “To lower the age of criminal responsibility is the wrong approach.” We need investments in violence prevention, in open child and youth work, in child-related infrastructure and all other contexts of social work with children and young people,” argues Fenninger and therefore supports the demands of violence protection experts for more financial resources and secured financing for many years.

Fenninger also warns against placing children in prisons given the diagnosis that toxic masculinity is the cause of violence against girls and women. “Prisons are not places for children. Where should male offenders in particular experience healthy masculinity? Who will protect them on site and how will the situation improve afterwards?”. In addition, the prisons are already overcrowded. What is more promising here is the work with the offenders, which can succeed in preventing these boys from committing further crimes. “Furthermore, I am convinced that an orientation towards the child’s well-being of all children is an important starting point. Because it is not uncommon for the boys to commit crimes an experienced disregard for their rights and their well-being,” concluded Fenninger.