Help for women in need: A way out of violence in Vienna!

Help for women in need: A way out of violence in Vienna!

In Vienna, the issue of domestic violence and support for affected women is becoming increasingly urgent. The stories of Nour and Ward, both trapped in an abusive relationship, illustrate the extent of the problem. Nour reports about her jealous husband, who checked her cell phone and eavesdropped on her during the German course. Ward, who married against her family's wishes, endured a tyrannical marriage in which her husband repeatedly beat and humiliated her. “How long am I supposed to live like this?” asks Ward, a question that concerns many women in similar situations. Both women were not allowed to learn German or work; they were essentially “servants” for the household and children. This is alarming given the high number of women affected who seek help: around 90 percent of the women who come to the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) have experienced violence, according to Kurier reports.

Breaking away from violent relationships is complicated, especially without language skills and a supportive social network. Nour and Ward lived for several months in the women's shelter, an important point of contact for women in crisis situations. Your goal is clear: you want to learn the language, work and stand on your own two feet. In addition to supporting women in need, it is also important that men learn to have respect for women and children. The two women are therefore calling for compulsory courses to raise this awareness.

Support system for affected women

The support system for women affected by violence in Germany shows how important such offers are. Women's shelters, specialist advice centers and emergency numbers form a network that is intended to help those affected to free themselves from their situation. This system is specifically designed for all women affected by violence, regardless of age, level of education or ethnic origin. This support is important not only for the women themselves, but also for their children, who are often also affected, informed Frauenhauskoordinierung. The aim is to provide comprehensive protection and to overcome the psychological and social consequences of violence.

However, despite these initiatives, there are bottlenecks in human and material resources in many regions. A uniform legal framework is missing in many parts, and the promised help is not always given. This is particularly alarming considering that 360 women in Germany were killed because of their gender in 2023, which highlights the urgency of support and protection measures.

Historic step in Germany

A ray of hope appears to be the newly passed Violence Assistance Act in Germany, which introduces a free legal right to protection and advice for women affected by violence and their children. The Federal Council's approval of this law was described as a historic moment by Lisa Paus, the Federal Minister for Women. This law will come into force on January 1, 2032, and it is intended not only to provide protection, but also to promote intervention in the event of violence and the prevention of violent acts, as announced on BMFSFJ.

The measures are comprehensive and include, among other things, the provision of needs-based, free protection, advice and support services. It remains to be hoped that similar progress will be made in Austria to enable women like Nour and Ward to live in security and self-determination.