Döbling stands together: Week of action against violence against women started!

Döbling stands together: Week of action against violence against women started!

In Döbling a strong message is being sent against violence against women. On Friday, November 28th, 2025, an information campaign by district politics took place at Sonnbergmarkt in cooperation with the Grätzl police. This event was part of the international campaign “16 Days Against Violence Against Women” and aimed to raise awareness among the population.

All district parties were present, only the KPÖ was not represented with its own stand. They had only sent one representative, but women were invited to the action to draw attention to the important issue. Awareness aids were also used during the event: household items soaked in fake blood were intended to sensitize visitors and encourage them to think.

Statements from politicians

The event was characterized by a variety of powerful words from district politicians. Daniela Kresse from the ÖVP emphasized the need to begin violence prevention with young people. Mahboobeh Bayat, speaking for the SPÖ, made it clear that violence against women is a global problem that affects everyone. Marlies Ligarsch from the FPÖ also pointed out that one in three women experiences both physical and sexual violence.

Ursula Haller from the Green Party emphasized that violence against women is not just an individual but a structural problem and criticized the fact that victim protection in Austria is inadequate. Neos politician Evelyn Shi also addressed the issue and demanded that men must understand that there is no place for sexual violence in our society.

A look at the meaning of violence

The term “violence” has its roots in Middle High German and was derived from “violent”. The Old High German “giwalt” is also part of the origin of this term. Violence is defined as a strong or violent force and is used in numerous contexts, whether in relation to physical control or legally established power. The various cognates, such as “wald” in English or “geweld” in Dutch, show how firmly anchored the term is in our language.

What became clear that day at the Sonnbergmarkt is that the issue of violence against women is not just local, but on everyone's lips. Events like these are essential to raise awareness and create real change in society. Only together can we pull together and counteract violence in all its forms.

For more information about this important initiative, click here and find out more about the background of the term “violence” here.