Today, the examination center for those affected by violence was opened at the Medical University of Vienna by Johannes Rauch, Federal Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, on behalf of Alma Zadić, Federal Minister of Justice, the Rector of MedUni Vienna, Markus Müller, and the head of the examination center, Nikolaus Klupp, opened with his team. Following the establishment of the violence clinic in Graz, this project represents a further significant step towards the comprehensive development and expansion of violence clinics throughout Austria. The aim is to create low-threshold contact points nationwide for those affected by violence, where they can be examined free of charge in a safe environment, traces can be secured and injuries documented in court.
The examination center for those affected by violence at MedUni Vienna offers free clinical forensic examinations in accordance with the latest forensic medical standards to those affected by violence of all ages and genders. The service is independent of whether a report has already been filed or an e-card is available. The investigation center should play a central role in detecting acts of violence and solving violent incidents. At the same time, it helps protect those affected and can prevent potential further attacks.
In addition to documenting injuries and securing traces on the body and clothing, those affected receive comprehensive information about other support offers, such as referral to victim support and victim protection institutions, psychological support or legal advice. Specialist telephone advice on clinical forensic issues is also available for doctors. In cases where no report is filed, the data collected and secured traces are stored for up to ten years so that they can be used later in criminal proceedings if necessary.
Federal Minister Johannes Rauch: “Every person has the right to a life free of violence. In addition to prevention and raising awareness, we must ensure that victims of violence receive the best possible support. The nationwide establishment and expansion of violence clinics is an important instrument for this; the federal government has made 4.6 million euros available for this purpose. Those affected can have their injuries examined free of charge in a protected setting and their injuries documented so that they can be used as evidence in possible later proceedings. The trained staff also offers patients affected by violence information about other support options. This path we have taken must definitely be continued under a new federal government.”
Rector Markus Müller: “With the expertise of its Center for Forensic Medicine, the Medical University of Vienna makes a significant contribution to the work of this institution. The focus of the investigation center is on the comprehensive care of those affected by violence as well as the scientific analysis of violent phenomena. This not only enables targeted improvements in care, but also increased awareness of the concerns of victims of violence within the medical profession. In doing so, MedUni Vienna is pursuing the goal of ensuring holistic support for those affected and further expanding its leading role in this important area of research and care.”
Nikolaus Klupp, head of the Center for Forensic Medicine and the examination center for those affected by violence: “The investigation center plays a central role in supporting those affected by violence and offers everyone access to its services free of charge and without any hurdles. Thanks to the new premises and funding from the federal government, expansion in terms of time, region and technology is now possible. This creates the basis for reaching even more affected people in the future and offering them clinical forensic documentation and evidence collection that can be used in court. At the same time, we can increasingly train various professional groups to recognize signs of violence. Violence affects us all – only through openness, education and joint action can we help those affected and take preventative action against violence as a society.”
Accessibility and contact examination center for those affected by violence
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
Friday 4 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m
as well as on public holidays
Tel.: +43 1 40160 35700
Website: meduniwien.ac.at/ugb
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