The number of entry and approach bans has steadily increased throughout Austria in recent years. From 2021 to 2022, almost seven percent more such measures have been imposed, an increase from 13,546 to 14,462.
According to the Centers for Protection against Domestic Violence, there are also gaps in Austrian legislation that need to be closed in order to protect victims. Marina Sorgo, president of the Federal Association of Austrian Violence Protection Centers, said that this development can also be observed analogously in the contacts of those affected in the violence protection centers as a whole.
“Of course, not only people who previously worked for the police come to us,” says Sorgo. In 2021, the violence security centers advised 22,039 people (entry bans: 13,546), in 2022 there were 23,648 (entry bans: 14,462). About 85 percent of the perpetrators of violence are male. With the entry and approach bans imposed, this gender division roughly continues. Nearly 88 percent of these bans affect men.
heightened awareness
The president of the federal association also explained that, in her view, the increase in contacts and imposed bans were not a sign of increased violence, but of increased awareness. Since its introduction, the number of entry and approach bans has gradually increased. As an example, Sorgo mentioned that the police receive intensive basic training. “On the other hand, people see that it helps (if they contact the authorities or the relevant agencies, ed.)”, she said.
House style for more visibility
According to the federal president, the visibility of the violence protection centers is still lacking. Among other things, they want to remedy this with a house style: the Viennese intervention center against violence in the family is now called the violence protection center and is also under the umbrella of the federal association, as interim director Nicole Krejci explained. “70 to 80 percent of women’s murder victims had not previously been with the police or victim protection organizations,” Sorgo stressed.
The federal association also does not see the danger that those affected could get lost in a “jungle of contact points”. Those affected would be referred if the program counselors realized that another position would suit them better.
close loopholes
The violence protection centers are also trying to close the loopholes in victim protection. They want those who are victims of acts of violence and their representatives to have the right to seek instructions from the court. This concerns, for example, a restraining order for the perpetrator or the condition that he must undergo alcohol withdrawal. Karin Gölly, general director of the Burgenland Violence Protection Center, also pointed out that it would be important for the protection of victims to have free legal support for victims of violence also in civil proceedings.
In addition, Gölly called for standardized tools across Austria for assessing the risk of threats. In addition, from the point of view of the violence protection centers, it would be important to provide assistance earlier in cases where patriarchal structures are already seen to exist here or where vulnerable families are involved.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
