Vienna court takes a stand against digital harassment: 4,000 euros for victims!

Vienna court takes a stand against digital harassment: 4,000 euros for victims!

A courageous Viennese activist, Fredi Ferkova, is taking decisive action against unwanted sexual harassment in the digital space. After several days of harassment by a stranger who sent her intimate pictures and videos via Instagram, the 33-year-old took the step of taking legal action. On March 10, 2025, the Favoriten District Court made it clear: The harasser will be asked to pay over 4,000 euros, including 1,000 euros in damages, as stated Crown newspaper reported.

Ferkova, who is active in the fitness scene and saw the threat of rape in these images, was not deterred. They hired detectives who managed to identify the perpetrator. The man, who didn't even show up for the trial, caused a default judgment to be entered against him. “No woman has to put up with sexual harassment,” emphasized her lawyer, Philipp Springer, addressing the general problem that runs through society. In many countries, such as Germany, "dick pics" are already punishable by law - in Austria, however, there is no regulation yet, an aspect that Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner made clear in light of International Women's Day. Legal protection against digital violence is overdue and is seen as a necessary step, as is the case 5 minutes reported.

Fredi Ferkova's case could be seen as a landmark for future legal measures in Austria, as it draws attention to an important social problem and fuels calls for a clear law against unwanted online sexual harassment. More and more women are facing such attacks and it is time for changes to ensure their safety in the digital world.