The fact that he helped a girl who was being beaten was Fabian E.’s downfall. Since then, he has not dared to leave the apartment alone. But violence and bullying are also increasing in schools. A project is fighting against this – with initial successes.
Fabian E. did what many adults wouldn’t do. The 16-year-old showed moral courage when he noticed a little girl being beaten by an older boy in the courtyard of his community building in the 22nd District. He intervened. “That’s my sister and I can beat her whenever I want,” the 19-year-old Chechen replied. But that wasn’t all.
Wounded in honor?
Apparently, big brother felt like his honor was being violated, so he chased E. and his friend with a second teen and eventually caught him in a passageway. There Fabian was not only beaten, but also cut in his arm and ear with a knife.
His mother Sarah E. immediately went to the police, filed a report, which has the “Crown”, and collected evidence. Thanks to her tirelessness, other boys, who are themselves afraid of the perpetrators, have now also reported it to the police, says Sarah E.
therapy as a result
But her son’s ordeal is not over yet; every day attempts are made to lure him into the garden. “My father takes me to my internship and picks me up,” says the 16-year-old, who is also in therapy after the crime and no longer dares to go out alone.
No false consideration
Support comes from FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp, including in the search for a new municipal apartment that the family really wants to leave. Nepp: “The madness must end. No false quid pro quo for perpetrators.”
Violence, resentment and bullying are unfortunately also commonplace in schools. A city project aims to counter this – and is starting to have an impact.
Conflicts arise in places where many people gather in a small space. Schools are not exempt from this. Current statistics paint a frightening picture: the number of crimes in Viennese schools has more than doubled between 962 and 1932, between 2021 and 2023. From the autumn, a mandatory child protection concept will be introduced in all schools in the country.
Stronger together
But the city itself also goes its own way, for example with the ‘Respect: Stronger Together’ project, which was concluded yesterday in the town hall. This school year, ten secondary schools took part in the collaboration with the Association of Vienna Youth Centers to help with a wide range of problems, such as violence and bullying, in schools – with plays or role-playing games.
“Of course bullying is a problem,” says Ella Marek, an integration teacher at a high school in Floridsdorf. Students who suffer from this are not only excluded, but also insulted and embarrassed via social media after class time. “It’s gotten to the point where they don’t even come to school anymore,” the teacher said.
The alpha animals
It is no different at a high school in the 7th arrondissement. “I know a boy from the lower class who doesn’t speak German very well. That’s why he’s being bullied,” says 14-year-old Max. He himself only recently came to this school. “It was very difficult at first.” According to his class teacher Patrick Randa, after a short time he blossomed and became more confident. Maybe that’s necessary, after all his third class is nicknamed ‘Cublings’ and every boy wants to be the alpha male.
“The teachers are afraid to come to our class,” laughs one of the cubs. This year alone, six new students joined. Many young people are not even aware of the damage they cause to others with their behavior. For example, Hussain learned in the school project that many suffer in silence and do not defend themselves when they are bullied. For Amelie and most others, the most important lesson was solidarity, because everyone benefits from it.
Strengthen equality
But equality is also a major issue that is particularly important for Vice Mayor Kathrin Gaál (SPÖ). Teacher Marek: “We ensure that the number of boys and girls in a class is reasonably balanced – so that things don’t go in the wrong direction.” Because that happens too.
Last stop Youth Care Office
If nothing helps, the Youth Care Office must intervene. For example, Leon’s classmate had been aggressive since freshman year of high school, and there was no improvement—until the child welfare agency got involved two years later. The project aims to prevent such cases. Youth councilor Christoph Wiederkehr (Neos): “Violence, resentment and bullying must disappear from the classrooms.”
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.
