What to do in case of violence against women | STUWO

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to violence carried out by a person that has an intimate or strongly emotional relationship with the victim. The aggressor could be a family member, friend, flatmate or partner. It can happen to anybody, but the majority of victims is female and offenders are mostly men.

Domestic violence is a regular, repetitive, abusive behaviour. The abusive behaviour can be of physical, sexual and psychological nature. For example, threats, humiliation, social isolation, beatings, forced sexual intercourse and abuse are some forms of domestic violence. None of this belongs into a relationship.

Most of the time, domestic violence happens behind closed doors, usually at home. This way, the offenders hide their abusive behaviour and prevent help and intervention.

It goes without saying that any and all forms of violence are illegal and punishable. Since 1997, the police is able to remove offenders from their homes to protect the victims based on the Austrian Violence Protection Act.

What does domestic violence look like?

It can be really difficult to notice domestic violence as an outside observer. Partly because the offenders actively try to hide their crimes and partly because the victims don’t want (or can’t) talk about them. Nevertheless, there are some indicators for domestic violence. Here are some identifying features that point to domestic violence.

• Suddenly no time for friends, colleagues, etc.
• No autonomous decisions (permission of their partner)
• No own money
• Injuries (often without or with illogical explanations)
• Chronic illnesses (often without physical origin)
• Psychological problems (anxiety, panic attacks, depression)
• A possessive, controlling and aggressive partner

1. Police

Emergency call: 133 or 112 or per SMS 0800 133 133

The Austrian police can protect you if you are in danger – even at home. The police is legally authorised to remove the offender from the victim’s home and keep him away from there (100 meters). This applies even if the offender officially lives there!

How can I help somebody in need?

If you notice that somebody is experiences violence of any kind, you have to help. Your help is important for this person!

The most important things to keep in mind:

• In emergency situations, call for help (police, women’s helplines)
• Have a conversation at the right moment (and listen attentively)
• Offer help and support
• Ask precise questions and show understanding
• Get information from help centres and counselling institutions

Call the police if there is immediate danger! Whether you notice a violent conflict situation on the streets or domestic violence in your neighbourhood! The police can handle the situation and offer professional help. Don’t put yourself in danger, but involve experienced and trained helpers.

At the right moment, seek a conversation with the victim. You need a safe environment, far away from the aggressor. Understanding and being-there are extremely important to make the victims feel safe and offer them support. The most important thing is that you listen carefully and don’t put pressure on them.

Try to establish trust with the victim by explaining that you will be there for her and that you’re trying to help her and will not tell the offender anything. Be a reliable contact person: “You can call me anytime and talk to me!” Maybe you can agree on a code word or sign, so that you know when she needs help.

If you know a victim of domestic violence, but don’t know what to do and how you can help that person, you can (anonymously) ask for help from the above mentioned help centres.

Prevention

By talking about this topic, we are already tackling this problem because we are drawing awareness to it and banish the existing taboo. If we can make the victims feel safe enough to talk about it, they can get the necessary help and don’t have to suffer in silence.

We can all do something to end violence against women, by talking about it, being attentive in our own environment and seeking and asking for help if we notice (domestic) violence.

Austria supports many prevention measures: specially trained prevention police officers, awareness campaigns, prevention campaigns, help centres for men and boys and much more.

The above-mentioned help centres can help you and deescalate emrgency situations!

Don’t hesitate to get help!