6000 counseling hours

The police intervened in 1000 cases of violence

Victims are mostly women. They often find it difficult to defend themselves.

(Bild: alfa27 - stock.adobe.com)

90 percent of perpetrators are male. With the Neustart association, the authorities are focusing specifically on prevention measures. The main goal is the effective protection of victims.

In cases of violence, suspects who have been banned from entering or approaching by the police must undergo mandatory counseling. This has been in place since September 2021. 1000 referrals have already been issued in Burgenland as of today, which corresponds to 6000 hours of counseling.

Protecting victims
More than 90 percent of cases involved men. This is the assessment of the Neustart association, which is responsible for the mandatory violence prevention counseling. "These referrals are made in highly volatile situations. The primary aim is to put an immediate end to the violence and provide effective protection for the victims," explains association director Alexander Grohs.

Threat of administrative penalties
"The requirement to report to the violence prevention advice center within five days at the latest to make an appointment is complied with by three quarters of those affected," notes Grohs. Anyone who fails to do so must expect to be summoned by the security authorities. There is a risk of an administrative fine.

71 percent of those at risk report within the five-day deadline. A total of 84 percent can be brought into counseling via the summonses. "If it weren't for the coercive context, only three to a maximum of ten percent would accept help voluntarily," summarizes Grohs.

"Violence in the private sphere takes many forms - but it is not a private matter!" The consistently high numbers of referrals show how seriously the police take reports of domestic violence and intervene.

Reporting assaults
On the other hand, Grohs points out that the willingness of victims and those around them to report assaults is increasing. The Neustart manager: "The figures do not necessarily indicate an increasing willingness to use violence in society, but rather an increased awareness among the population - and that is a good thing."