Interview

Against violence: “We want to clear up taboos”

Stop violence by men against their partners, say the participants in the "StoP" projects.(Bild: YAHOES - stock.adobe.com)

Doris Wlczek-Spanring calls on neighbors to listen. She runs the "StoP - Neighborhood without Partner Violence" project in Salzburg-Lehen. How to intervene and why civil courage helps to combat violence.

For over a year now, courageous citizens have been meeting every month at the Salzburg Lehen residents' service. They want to drive violence out of their district, specifically that of men against their partners. The City of Salzburg is currently expanding the project and is also launching regular "neighbor tables" in Salzburg-Süd and Liefering. 

The project was launched in 2022 in the Lehen residents' service next to the Literaturhaus.(Bild: Sabine Deubler)

Ms Wlczek-Spanring, how can neighbors take action against partner violence in their environment?
At our meetings at Bewohnerservice Lehen, they find out what violence against women is. If they notice it in their environment, they speak up.

It often empowers the women affected when a neighbor asks them how they are doing.

Doris Wlczek-Spanring

Bild: Sabine Deubler

What can you do if you suspect this?
If you hear a loud argument, it can help to ring the doorbell and ask for milk. It often strengthens affected women when a neighbor asks them how they are doing and gives them the feeling that they are there for them. A "StoP" sticker on the front door is also a signal. It is also always possible to call the police.

Why does violence against women so often remain hidden?
It is a shameful topic. We want to break down taboos. Neighbors are particularly important. 70 percent of women affected by violence tell someone about it. Most of them turn to people close to them.