Femicide in Vienna: Rösslhumer criticizes political inaction!

Femicide in Vienna: Rösslhumer criticizes political inaction!

After a tragic femicide in Vienna's Leopoldstadt, the necessary discussion about violence against women is in full swing. Armin Wolf interviewed Maria Rösslhumer, coordinator of the “City Districts Without Partner Violence” (StoP) initiative, about the background and consequences of a case that draws attention to an urgent social problem. Last year, a shocking 27 women were victims of femicide in Austria. This new incident brings our total to eleven femicides this year alone.

The alleged perpetrator, a 44-year-old, is suspected of murdering his partner and injuring several family members. In this context, Rösslhumer, who was managing director of the Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters Association for 25 years, points out the deep-rooted problems in the implementation of existing measures to protect against violence. It is also worrying that a weapons ban had already been issued against the suspect and the partner had previously sought protection in a women's shelter. But, as Rösslhumer emphasizes, the Violence Protection Act often does not adequately protect particularly dangerous perpetrators.

Politics and social responsibility

Rösslhumer criticizes that politicians often seem to show too little empathy in such incidents. This is a point that addresses structural problems that cannot be eliminated. Wolf also addressed the origin of the suspect, who is said to come from Serbia. Rösslhumer made it clear that violence against women is a global problem and can in no way be linked to migration or foreigners. In fact, femicides worldwide are often the result of patriarchal structures and unequal gender relations.

Another important aspect of the discussion is the behavior of men. Rösslhumer calls for men in society to take an active stance against violence against women. This could start with simply intervening when sexist jokes are made. It is a call for moral courage that becomes all the more urgent when you think about the impact of social media. People like Andrew Tate and the “Incels” movement are worrying influences that need to be questioned.

Coding and detection of femicides

The term femicide refers to the killing of a woman because of her gender, and it covers a variety of forms of violence - from psychological to physical, from sexual to economic violence. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, experts and statistics see a sharp increase in gender-based violence against women. This is also reflected in the figures for 2023: In Germany, 155 women were killed by their (ex-)partners.

• Gefährdung in Trennungs- und Scheidungssituationen
• Täterschaft aus allen Bildungs- und Gesellschaftsschichten
• Strukturelle Dimensionen nicht als Einzelfälle entblößen

These conclusions make it clear that every individual fate reflects complex social problems that are often inadequately addressed. Due to the emotional impact of the acts, it is often not viewed as femicide, but rather as manslaughter or bodily harm, which has fatal consequences in legal prosecution.

Overall, the current case shows how important it is to discuss violence against women openly and honestly. Both society and politics need to take active steps against these brutal tendencies. Maria Rösslhumer appeals to all of us to finally take a look and actively fight against violence against women.