“Optimization” needed – domestic violence: government wants to improve now

According to Karner, the conferences on security policy matters are being intensified and institutionalized. This instrument to protect against domestic violence is currently used differently in the individual federal states, explains Sandra Messner of the Center for Social Research and Science Didactics (ZSW), which was commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior.

Suspects have access to logs
The conferences on security policy issues are generally welcomed by experts, but are “not the panacea for preventing the murder of women,” Messner told journalists determinedly, and are then allowed to access them as part of their accused rights. That must be eliminated, the coordination between the police, the judiciary and support organizations for families, women and children affected by violence must improve, according to Messner.

Also focus on fostering relationships
Interior Minister Karner wants to enhance the effect of the case conferences by installing expert groups in each individual state. About 120 case conferences were held across Austria in mid-September this year, a significant increase from 2020 (27) and 2021 (57). As a further measure against domestic violence, an interdepartmental working group on violence against the elderly is being expanded.

In care relationships, physical abuse and even murders occur again and again, explains Karner: “It is hardly possible for the police to take effective measures here, as there is hardly any police history. Close networking with care organizations and the Ministry of Social Affairs is involved in this. necessary.”

“Silent distress call” is being further developed
A “silent emergency call”, currently used by about 5,000 mostly female people to protect themselves from potential threats, needs to be further developed and advertised more aggressively. Eventually there could be a so-called secret app. Finally, a 24-hour support hotline will be created for all patrol officers in Austria. Experts must then be available on site with advice and assistance by telephone for official acts in the field of domestic violence.

Minister sees room for improvement
Family Minister Susanne Raab described the Violence Protection Act as a “milestone”. In 2021, 13,690 entry and approach bans were issued, this year there were already 9,500 at the end of July. 11,000 consultations for dangerous persons have been carried out, which were implemented in September 2021. However, there is room for improvement in both areas.

According to experts, too few proximity bans are issued for stalking and cyberstalking and a contact ban with calling and texting would also be desirable, reports social researcher Messner. They are also asking for stricter controls on these no-contact orders and for arrest warrants to be issued for violations.

Men ‘often don’t know anything about entry bans’
Mandatory violence prevention counseling for those at risk requires “quality cooperation” between the executive and NGOs. In general, six hours are set aside for the counseling sessions, a more flexible schedule would be desirable here. After all, 40 percent of those affected — mostly men — take further advice after the six hours.

The advice centers want to be able to proactively contact risk groups in a legal manner. In practice, there are delays in communication with the extension of entry and approach bans. “Then the men are often at the door because they don’t know anything about it,” Messner reported.