Doris Wlczek-Spanring calls on neighbors to listen. She leads the project “StoP – Neighborhood without intimate partner violence” in Salzburg-Lehen. How to intervene and why moral courage helps combat violence.
For more than a year, courageous citizens have been meeting monthly in the Salzburg Residents’ Service Lehen. They want to eradicate violence from their neighborhood, especially that of men against their partners. The city of Salzburg is currently expanding the project and is also regularly launching “neighborhood tables” in Salzburg-Süd and Liefering.
Ms Wlczek-Spanring, how can neighbors take action against intimate partner violence in their area?
During our meetings in the Lehen Residents’ Service you will discover what violence against women is. If you notice something like this in your environment, speak up.
What can you do if you suspect this?
If you hear a loud argument, it may help to ring the doorbell and ask for milk. It often strengthens affected women when a neighbor asks how she is doing and makes her feel like she is there for them. A ‘StoP’ sticker on the apartment door is also a signal. You can always call the police.
Why is violence against women so often hidden?
It is a subject full of shame. We want to break taboos. Neighbors are particularly important. 70 percent of women affected by violence tell someone about it. Most turn to people close to them.
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.
