Violence against women

Young people affected: When “digital” really hurts

Violence against women is multifaceted. Young women in particular are attacked on social networks.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek/EVELYN HRONEK)

Cyber violence, especially against young women, also poses new challenges for advice centers. In the fight against violence against women, new transitional shelters are to offer refuge to victims nationwide with immediate effect. 

Women have the right to live safely - anywhere and at any time. But the reality is different. Violence against women has many "faces". From domestic violence in the home to cyber violence on social networks. Saman Soltani knows this too. The Iranian kayaker had to fear for her life after a photo of her in a swimsuit without a hijab was published on Instagram. Under the motto "Orange the World", she is campaigning together with Hypo NÖ against all forms of violence against women.

Young girls in particular are affected by violence in the digital space. This also poses new challenges for the Violence Protection Center Lower Austria: "A working group is working on measures to preserve evidence, but also on safety precautions," explains Deputy Director Anna Sonnleitner.

Appropriate protection services throughout the state
A "big step" in terms of protection services for victims of violence has now also been achieved in the Waldviertel: 14 new temporary apartments, including three in Zwettl, are now available for those affected. "This means that it is now possible for the first time to offer shelters throughout the province," says Provincial Councillor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig. Three more are to follow. But improvements are also to be made to the violence protection outpatient clinics in future. After all, the most important thing after acts of violence is to gather evidence.