Domestic violence in the district: Alarming figures and new protective measures

Domestic violence in the district: Alarming figures and new protective measures

Domestic violence remains a pressing problem in the Neunkirchen district. It happens again and again that the police have to intervene when the harmony in your own four walls breaks down and violence becomes a sad reality. These intervention measures, such as entry and approach bans, serve to protect the victims. But a worrying picture will also emerge in 2023: the police have already recorded 118 such bans in the first nine months.

Unfortunately, the situation is not developing for the better. Compared to last year, when 112 bans were imposed, the number remains alarmingly high. Lieutenant Colonel Johann Neumüller, the district police commander, points out that Neunkirchen is one of the districts with the most cases nationwide. Only places like Mödling and Baden exceed these numbers, with Baden also suffering from conflicts in refugee accommodation.

The reality of violent acts

The phenomenon of domestic violence often affects the same perpetrators repeatedly. A well-known case from the region makes this clear: a man who has already been banned from entering the building three times shows problematic behavior again and stalks his new partner. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures. Lieutenant Colonel Neumüller notes: “The success is questionable because some people are unteachable.”

Overall, the police believe that more women are finding the courage to report their tormentors. This could indicate that the unreported incidence of domestic violence, which may have been higher in the past, is now becoming more transparent. However, the reality remains harsh: The reasons for an increase in domestic violence are varied, but alcohol and drug abuse are often at the forefront.

Society and authorities must continue to work together to raise awareness of the issue and give victims a voice. There are various contact points available in Neunkirchen for those affected. The Neunkirchen women's shelter offers help around the clock. Important contacts include the telephone number 02635/68971 or the email address Frauenhaus.nk@frauenhaus-neunkirchen.at. It is clear that help and support are crucial in these difficult times.

Tips for those affected

For women who find themselves in a spiral of violence or simply live in a tense relationship, there are some useful tips to protect themselves as best as possible in crisis situations. This includes having an escape route in mind and not being backed into a corner in a confrontation. The smartphone should work in every room so that help can be called quickly in an emergency.

• Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie wichtige Notrufnummern gespeichert haben.
• Bereiten Sie eine „Notfalltasche“ vor, die Geld und Kopien wichtiger Dokumente enthält.
• Vereinbaren Sie ein Codewort mit Freunden oder Nachbarn, um diskret Hilfe anzufordern.
• Tragen Sie ein Handalarmgerät bei sich, um andere in Ihrer Umgebung auf Ihre Notlage aufmerksam zu machen.
• Reden Sie mit Ihren Kindern über Notfallsituationen und wie sie Hilfe rufen können.
• Informieren Sie Einrichtungen wie Kindergärten oder Schulen über mögliche Vorfälle.

These measures are crucial in order to minimize risks and be able to react quickly in an emergency. The aim is to combat violence in the private sphere and to offer victims security and support. The work on this important social issue is far from over, and it remains to be hoped that more people will take advantage of the opportunities for help and protection.