The numerous cases of violence against women have brought the issue of protection against violence back to public attention. This is also reflected in the women’s budget: the majority of the resources for the coming year will flow to this area.
The women’s budget has been increased from 9.3 million to 33.6 million euros, Minister of Women’s Affairs Susanne Raab (ÖVP) said at a press conference on Monday. In addition, there have also been increases in other departments for issues that are often women-specific, such as victim protection at the Ministry of Justice.
Violence protection centers and more advice
Since she took office, the women’s budget has tripled, Raab calculated. This would make up for the shortcomings of previous governments. The additional resources will be used to strengthen women-specific counseling centers and violence protection centers and support them with resources and staff. In addition, new protective housing would be created in the states through state agreements.
A further €5.5 million will flow to the women’s and girls’ counseling centres, where €13.6 million will be available in the future. “We want 100 percent coverage.” In the future, there must be suitable facilities in every neighborhood. “One goal has the highest priority: all women and girls should know that they can turn to women and girls counseling centers in any situation.”
Long waiting lists must be reduced
Sophie Hansal, manager of the network of Austrian counseling centers for women and girls, reported waiting lists in her facilities could now be shortened. The main topics are the “mental burden” of women who have taken on too much and succumb to the burden of everyday family life, the psychological situation of girls and young women and inflation.
A closer look at the federal states
In addition, she has tasked her specialist department with developing an overall strategy for violence protection centres, counseling centers for women and girls and specialist counseling centres, Raab said. In the future, documenting violence must work, for example by setting up violence clinics. Budgets have also been made available for this within the relevant departments.
Under no circumstances should the additional resources lead to the federal states (for example, they being responsible for traditional women’s shelters) limiting their resources. Raab emphasized that this will be closely monitored. The budgets in the countries should at least remain the same.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
