For women and children

17 new apartments in Hallein for victims of violence

Small apartments for women and their children have been built in the former fashion school.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas/ANDREAS TROESTER)

The extensively renovated Dechanthof in Hallein is now opening its doors to new target groups. In addition to toddlers and schoolchildren, these are primarily women who have fled violence. Three employees look after them in 17 newly built apartments.

The closure of the Miriam women's shelter in 2021 sparked a lot of criticism. In Hallein, up to 17 women affected by violence can now move into the Dechanthof of the parish. Seven women are already registered.

This "safe home" is operated by Caritas Salzburg. The state of Salzburg is helping to pay for it. This year, 100,000 euros have been earmarked for the women's department. Caritas addressed the need for such facilities at a press event on Tuesday. "It is alarming. Last year, there were 27 femicides and 39 cases of serious violence against women in Austria," explained Director Andrea Schmid.

Three trained employees on site
In the extensively renovated Dechanthof, women and their children can find peace and quiet in 30-square-meter apartments. They are prepared for an independent life by trained staff. The Safe Home in the city of Salzburg is currently home to 30 women and 22 children. Since the dismantling of the women's shelter structures by the state, the associations Viele and Jugend am Werk have also created supervised shelters for victims of violence across the province.

There is also space for a toddler group and learning café
Also new in the historic walls of the Dechanthof are a toddler group, which is still accepting children, and a learning café for disadvantaged children. Volunteers are needed to study with the pupils and help them with their homework.