The focus: together against domestic violence and for women's rights

The focus: together against domestic violence and for women's rights

In Vorarlberg, the need to talk about domestic violence is more urgent than ever. Statistics show that more than once a day women in the region are victims of violence in their own four walls. By the end of October, 435 bans against alleged perpetrators had already been issued this year. These alarming numbers are seriously decreasing and explaining urgency to raise awareness of the topic of "violence on women".

As part of the "Orange the World" campaign, a variety of public buildings in the Orange region will be illuminated from the end of November to mid -December to draw attention to this important topic. This happens in memory that violence should not be tolerated, as Angelika Wehinger from the Vorarlberg violence protection center explains: "If you observe or experience domestic violence, you should alert the police. It is crucial not to put yourself in danger and to interrupt the situation there."

drama factor alcohol

One of the most common causes of these outbreaks of violence is alcohol. Sabine Nachbaur, the head of the Feldkirch District Court, emphasizes that many victims endure the aggression of their partners for a long time. Often there are only final separation after numerous repeated incidents. Unfortunately, there are many cases in which the perpetrators show regrets the next morning and apologize for women to withdraw their ads. Another worrying aspect are the wrong accusations of victims, often in the context of divorces or to ensure claims of care. Around a third of these first owners are not maintained, which makes the legal disputes more complicated.

together against violence

The international campaign "16 days against violence against women" begins every year on November 25, the international day against violence to women, and ends on December 10th, the day of human rights. The Institute for Social Services (IFS) is actively involved by focusing on both victim protection and the work of perpetrators. "We take care of those affected and at the same time try to persuade the perpetrators to insight," explains Martina Gasser, the managing director of the IFS. This holistic approach is crucial to pack the problem at the root.

But the actions are diverse: the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences also actively participates by illuminating orange from the end of November to early December and the "Orange the World" flag is running. In addition, the department of social affairs and health organizes a silence in Dornbirn together with other partners. At the same time, an exhibition, entitled "Siolence - Violence as a timeless uncertainty", is opened in the Bregenz country house, which appeals against the widespread silence about violence.

In the next 16 days there will also be numerous events in the Caritas' Wirkraum in Dornbirn, which deal with violence against women. These events should help to create sensitivity to the problem and to offer space for discussions.