Support for women affected by violence must be intensified. Minister of Women Susanne Raab and Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner (both ÖVP) presented a new strategy for coordinating offers of aid on Thursday together with representatives of advisory bodies.
Within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the “National Platform against Violence against Women” was established. It should ensure networking and the further development of protective measures.
“Vision of a non-violent society for women”
“We are all united by the vision of a violence-free society for women and girls,” Raab said. Several measures are already in place, for example in education, men’s work or in policing.
The women’s budget, she stressed, has tripled in the past five years. The new platform should now provide the framework for optimal use of existing structures, it was said.
Support for affected women needs to be improved
About thirty organizations from the federal government, states, municipalities, research and civil society are represented, the minister explained. Tasks include expanding the advisory network and data management. Experiences from the respective institutions should be exchanged. They also want to develop information materials and strategies together.
Interior Secretary Karner recalled the weekend earlier this year when five women were murdered. In the face of such events, there can be no return to business as usual, he said. They are tasked with continuing on the path they have taken. Important steps have been taken in recent years with the legal enshrinement of fall protection conferences, anti-violence training for dangerous people and gun bans.
Approximately 7,300 entry and approach bans
According to the Ministry of the Interior, a total of twelve murders of women have been committed in the past six months. The victims were between 13 and 90 years old. In the same period last year, there were 18 cases. There is also currently a slight decrease in entry and approach bans. In the first half of this year, 7,328 such decisions were made, Karner explains. In the same period last year, 7,650 such bans were imposed. In addition, 6,064 perpetrators were called up for mandatory anti-violence training in the first half of 2024.
Increase in the number of questions
The number of women seeking help appears to be increasing. Sophie Hansal, director of the Network of Austrian Counselling Centres for Women and Girls, reported a significant increase in the number of inquiries. She said this was a positive step, showing that the offer was being accepted. Karin Gölly, deputy chair of the Federal Association of Violence Protection Centres, and Ursula Kussyk, chairwoman of the Federal Association of Women’s Counselling Centres for Sexual Violence, also took part in the presentation today.
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.
