Help for women in the Salzkammergut: advice and support

Help for women in the Salzkammergut: advice and support

The increase in domestic violence is becoming increasingly visible in the Salzkammergut. So far this year, 110 bans on representation have been issued in the Gmunden district. This includes 45 of the bans issued by the Gmunden police station alone. Specially trained officers are available as security officers for women in every police station, including Franz Pesendorfer and Julia Mittendorfer in Gmunden.

Inspection commander Pesendorfer appeals to the population not to look away: "Show courage when you witness violence in public spaces. Speeches like 'Stop it, violence is not a solution' are of great importance." The situation is particularly worrying when children who dare to call for help are involved in such incidents.

Offers of advice and support

The Security Police Act allows officers to ban entry into the perpetrator's home for at least two weeks. There are numerous advice centers available for affected women, such as the Upper Austria Violence Protection Center or the women's shelter in Vöcklabruck. In addition, a new women's shelter is being built in Bad Ischl in a secret location to ensure the anonymity of the users. The “Insel – Girls and Women’s Center” is located in Scharnstein, which has been offering support for over 30 years. Their goal is to empower women on their way to a self-determined life. They offer free help to women who have experienced violence.

Another important offer is the Inner Salzkammergut women's advice center in Bad Ischl. This contact point supports women and girls free of charge and anonymously in order to develop individual solutions in difficult situations. It also places emphasis on raising public awareness and offers special advice for single parents. An additional program includes supported transitional housing for women with and without children, which offers temporary shelter and creates places of refuge to process traumatic experiences.

Support for children

The “Balance” institute provides support for children who live in such difficult circumstances. These institutions are important to promote a non-violent and secure way of life. Through the comprehensive advice and support initiatives, the specialists hope that affected women and their children can find their way back to a normal life.

The increasing number of requests for help clearly shows that awareness and prevention are essential in our society. For further information about the offers and assistance, those affected can request help free of charge and anonymously by calling 133.

The article provides details on advisory services and the current situation www.meinkreis.at.