24-Hours Women’s Emergency Helpline – 01 71 71 9

Women’s Resources for Victims of Abuse

Austria is the only EU country where more women were killed than men last year, with 83.3% of the incidents taking place in domestic settings. This year, there have already been 27 femicides and 39 cases of severe violence against women across Austria. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Vienna, there are resources available to help. Below are the most important services for those seeking support.

1. Where to Find Domestic Violence Support in Vienna

To combat the rise in femicides and violence against women, Vienna operates a 24/7 Women’s Emergency Helpline (+43 1 71 71 9), available in multiple languages, including German, English, Farsi, and Turkish. This service is completely free and provides immediate support to women and girls aged 14 and above who have experienced any form of violence, whether physical, psychological, sexual, stalking, or cyberbullying. The helpline is open to victims, those unsure if their experiences qualify as violence, as well as concerned friends or family members.

2. What Services Does the Women’s Emergency Helpline Provide?

The Women’s Emergency Helpline in Vienna offers several crucial services to assist victims:

• • Immediate Support: Crisis intervention, including accompanying victims to the police, court, or hospital.
  • Counseling: Professional help from female psychologists, social workers, and lawyers.
  • Legal Aid: Assistance during legal proceedings, including psychosocial support.
  • Referrals: Help connecting to other services for issues unrelated to violence.
  • Education and Training: Violence prevention training and coaching for organizations.

The helpline also runs a civil courage campaign to encourage bystander action against violence and addresses issues such as forced marriage and violence against older women. It works to coordinate victim protection groups in Vienna’s hospitals.

3. Statistics on Domestic Violence in Austria

In Austria, last year, 24,330 victims of domestic violence were supported in shelters and institutions. Of these, 79% were women and girls. A total of 1,148 individuals, including 571 women and 577 children, found refuge in autonomous women’s shelters operated by the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (AÖF).

As AÖF Managing Director Maja Markanović-Riedl pointed out, recognizing and naming violence is a process. “Violence doesn’t happen overnight. It starts slowly and insidiously. It is only once victims are in care that they begin to recognize the violations they’ve endured,” she said, adding that seeking help is an act of strength and courage.

4. Additional Resources for Domestic Violence Support in Vienna

• • Emergency Shelters: Several shelters across Vienna offer safe housing and support to women and children escaping domestic violence. These services are available to anyone in need, regardless of nationality, income, or background.
  • Legal and Psychosocial Services: Women who experience domestic violence can receive legal advice and psychosocial support to help them through the legal process and begin their healing journey.

5. How to Access Services and Get Help

• • Phone: The Women’s Emergency Helpline (+43 1 71 71 9) operates 24/7 and is available in German, English, Farsi, and Turkish.
  • Online Counseling: You can also email for support at frauennotruf@wien.at or schedule in-person counseling sessions by appointment.

It’s important to reach out as soon as possible if you or someone you know is in danger. Domestic violence can escalate quickly, and getting help is the first step toward safety.