SPAR sets an example: cash vouchers against violence against women from November 25th!

SPAR sets an example: cash vouchers against violence against women from November 25th!

SPAR is launching a major campaign to combat violence against women on November 25th, which will run until December 10th, International Human Rights Day. The aim of this initiative is to offer help to affected women and make them aware of resources. Loud 5min Information about regional helplines is printed on SPAR, EUROSPAR and INTERSPAR cash registers as well as in the SPAR app. This measure reaches around one million cash vouchers every day, which corresponds to around one in nine people living in Austria.

This year the campaign will be strengthened by the participation of SPAR subsidiaries Maximarkt and Hervis. This innovation underlines SPAR's commitment to the international campaign “16 days against violence against women”. In the federal states of Styria and Salzburg, additional posters and information flyers are displayed in the markets to increase the visibility of the topic.

Background and statistics

The initiative comes at a time when violence against women is a serious problem in Austria. Loud OE24 More than one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in the course of their lives. By the end of October 2025, 13 femicides and 25 attempted murders of women had already been recorded. These alarming figures highlight the urgency of encouraging affected women to seek help.

The Women's Helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0800 222 555, offers anonymous and free access to support. The Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters Association (AÖF), which works in collaboration with SPAR, operates 16 women's shelters in Austria and looked after a total of 1,093 people in 2024.

Extensive data and strategies

In order to understand the problem, comprehensive data is necessary. The 2021 “Gender-based violence against women and other forms of interpersonal violence” survey, commissioned by Eurostat and the Federal Chancellery, provides valuable information on the prevalence of violence against women in adult life. Topics such as stalking and sexual harassment in the workplace are also part of this survey, which provides additional insights into judicial crime statistics. This is particularly relevant as the European Commission plans comprehensive action against gender-based violence in its “Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025”, including improved data collection.

SPAR's commitment and involvement of regional organizations are steps in the right direction to raise awareness of violence against women and show that support is available. The initiative is perceived by the general public and institutions as an important contribution to the fight against this form of violence.