Violence has many faces: it can be physically, mentally or sexualized and meet people of all ages and situations. Violence protection must not be thought centrally in a federal state like Lower Austria. If you are looking for support, you should get it nearby, in the familiar environment and as inconspicuously as possible – without long ways, without bureaucratic hurdles and above all without fear of stigmatization.
Decentralized model for the state of Lower Austria necessary
Violence protection steadets such as those used in Vienna or Graz, for example, may seem sensible at first glance as a measure – in practice, however, they are often difficult to reach and have a damber effect. This is exactly what people who need help do not use them. Lower Austria has therefore been a different, conscious path for years: with a decentralized, nationwide and low -threshold offer in all regions of the country – both in the state clinics as well as in the resident area, the state police and the nearby organizations.
State Managing Director LAbg. Matthias Zauner emphasizes: “A single protection of violence is not expedient for a federal state. Again you have to educate the Greens about the needs of the Lower Austrians – nicely meant, but once again a suggestion goes past the life reality of the people, dear Greens!”
Help directly in the clinics and ordinations
If you are looking for medical help – be it in a family practice or in a hospital – there is the opportunity to discreetly recognize yourself as affected by violence. There are mandatory victim protection groups in all 27 state clinics. These interdisciplinary teams are made up of medical, nursing and psychological specialists and are specifically trained to recognize violence, react sensitively, to document traces professionally and to network with further help institutions.
The measures in the clinics range from standardized questions in the nursing history in order to recognize violence at an early stage, through the training of nurses specializing in violence, to information materials and discrete information in sensitive areas such as the sanitary facilities. In addition, the state health agency ensures regular training, exchange with the police and violent protection centers as well as targeted internal security training. “We will decide in the state parliament that these good measures of the state health agency will be further intensified,” said VPNÖ Women’s spokeswoman LAbg. Silke Dammerer.
The family doctor as the first person of trust
At the same time, the resident area also plays a central role. General practitioners often know their patients over many years. This grown relationship of trust is a valuable resource to recognize the first signs of violence – often before those affected can talk about it themselves.
Violence protection is more than medical assistance
For many years, the state of Lower Austria has been intensively committed to protecting women from violence – together with the state health agency, the women’s shelters, the advice centers, the police and numerous regional institutions. The country’s package of measures starts on several levels: In acute situations, women’s shelters offer protection, accommodation and support – anonymous, safe and around the clock. In addition, there are telephone offers in which those affected find support quickly and low -threshold. Psychosocial and legal advisory services are available in all regions for long -term accompaniment. Working closely with the police, the judiciary, youth welfare as well as the clinics and the resident area is to ensure coordinated and effective help.
Prevention and responsibility in the area
In schools, projects are already being implemented for avoidance violence, educational campaigns reach broad sections of the population, and more and more municipalities are involved with concrete measures against violence. In 2024, 89 Lower Austrian communities were awarded for their special commitment.
VPNÖ Women’s spokeswoman LAbg. Silke Dammerer Finally: “Violence protection must not be a question of distance, chance or courage to reveal himself. Looking at.