Steps into a
non-violent living

Every woman has the right to a life free from violence. We inform you about offers of help and possibilities to find ways out of violence. If you would like to help or get involved against violence, you will also find materials and suggestions here.

To the offer of help

Emergency contacts

If you are in acute danger or need quick support in the event of domestic violence, do not hesitate to get help.

Recognising & reacting to violence

Domestic violence often begins quietly - with control and manipulation. The perpetrator of the violence proceeds systematically to gain power over the victim. It is not the bruises that come first, but words, threats and prohibitions. If your partner decides who you are allowed to see and what you should do, that is not love. It is violence. But it is difficult to recognise this. Feelings, hopes and financial dependence all play a role. If your home is no longer a safe place, you are not alone. There is support in Lower Austria. People listen, help and accompany you on your way to a life free of violence.

The international aid symbol

Use this hand signal if you are in a dangerous situation and want to discreetly ask for help from other people without alerting the perpetrator.

Step 1:
Show open palm

Step 2:
Put your thumb in your hand

Step 3:
Close your hand into a fist

Forms of violence

Below you will find the most common manifestations, which can often occur together. This list provides an overview, as there are numerous other forms.

Physical violence

Pain or injuries are inflicted on them deliberately and repeatedly. Hitting, pushing, choking or holding are clear signs. Threats of physical violence are also included. It often starts with an initial push, kick or grab - and gets worse over time.

Sexualised violence

Intimate touching is forced on you against your will or you are pressured into sexual acts. Threats, coercion or ignoring 'no' are also violence. No one has the right to cross your boundaries, no matter what your relationship is.

Psychological violence

They are constantly given the feeling that they are not enough. You are belittled, ridiculed or confronted with insults. Your self-esteem is deliberately destroyed and you constantly feel frightened or insecure. Psychological violence can be just as painful as physical violence.

Social violence

Contact with family, friends or other important people is denied or made more difficult. You are kept from social activities or told that no one can help you. This violence isolates you from your support system.

Digital violence

You are being harmed by harassment or threats via social media, the unauthorised publication of private photos or the constant monitoring of your messages and online activities. This violence attacks your privacy and controls your digital life.

Economic violence

You are denied access to money or resources in order to restrict your independence. You are not allowed to dispose of your own money or earn your own. This violence takes away your financial freedom, makes you dependent and prevents you from changing your living situation, for example.

What is domestic violence?

What does domestic violence look like? Where can help be found? What can everyone do to help?
Find out more in the video.

Play Video

Transkript des Videos:
»Gewalt hat viele Gesichter. Zivilcourage noch mehr.«

Ausschnitt: Was ist häusliche Gewalt
Dauer: 1 Minute, 32 Sekunden

Hinweis: Das Video behandelt Themen wie häusliche Gewalt, sexualisierte Gewalt, Gewalt gegen Kinder und Schutzmaßnahmen. Die folgende Medienalternative verbindet den gesprochenen beziehungsweise untertitelten Inhalt mit wichtigen visuellen Informationen. Im Laufe des Videos werden abwechselnd verschiedene Personen gezeigt, die direkt in die Kamera sprechen.

00:00–00:07
Bild: In der Mitte des Bildes wird das Kampagnenlogo „Gewalt erkennen und reagieren“ eingeblendet. Das Logo besteht aus drei orangefarbenen, sich überschneidenden Kreisen. In jedem Kreis ist jeweils ein Schritt der internationalen Hilfezeichen-Geste dargestellt. Unter dem Logo steht die Überschrift: „Gewalt hat viele Gesichter …“.

00:07–00:10
Bild: Überblendung auf einen hellen, beigefarbenen Hintergrund.
In der Mitte steht die Überschrift: „Was ist häusliche Gewalt?“
Mehrere Sprecherinnen und Sprecher werden nacheinander gezeigt, die in die Kamera sprechen und sich zum Thema äußern.

00:10–01:26
Bild: Eine Person steht vor demselben hellen Hintergrund und spricht direkt in die Kamera.
Text: „Häusliche Gewalt ist ein sehr komplexes Thema. Es betrifft Personen, die in Beziehung stehen.
Unter häuslicher Gewalt versteht man die Gewalt an Frauen durch ihren Partner, Ex-Partner, Ehemann oder Ex-Ehemann.Gewalt bedeutet, ein Machtverhältnis auszunutzen und jemand anderen zu bedrohen, niederzumachen, auf körperlicher Ebene oder auch auf psychischer Ebene.
Häusliche Gewalt beginnt schon dort, wo ich der Partnerin alles Positive abspreche und egal, was sie tut, es nur als schlecht sehe. Und beginnt nicht mit Schlägen, sondern beginnt mit Worten wie Erniedrigungen und Demütigungen. Mit den Kindern oder mit dem Entzug der Kinder bedrohen. Mit Selbstmord oder mit Mord von der Frau und den Kindern drohen. Aber auch auf der sexuellen Ebene passiert extrem viel Gewalt: Durch Berührungen, durch das Anschauen von pornographischem Material, das Frauen ansehen müssen, aber auch durch die Vergewaltigung. Bei der häuslichen Gewalt gehen Täter systematisch vor: Sie versuchen die Dominanz und die Kontrolle über die Frau zu sichern. Dominanz wird oft dadurch ausgeübt, dass der Mann die alleinige Kontrolle über die Finanzen aufrechterhält. Das bedeutet, dass Frauen, die von Gewalt betroffen sind, in ihrem Selbstwert und ihren Grenzen verletzt werden. Ihre Wahrnehmung verändert sich von dem, was richtig und was falsch ist, und das macht es für Frauen oft so schwierig, die Gewalt als solche zu benennen.“

01:26–01:32
Bild: Überblendung auf einen hellen, beigefarbenen Hintergrund. In der Mitte des Bildes erscheint das Kampagnen-Logo „Gewalt erkennen und reagieren“ sowie der Link zur Webseite www.land-noe.at/stopp-gewalt. Im unteren Bildteil erscheint der Hinweis „Im Auftrag von:“ und das Logo vom Land Niederösterreich.

How can I help if I suspect domestic violence?

Recognise signs

A woman does not always recognise violence immediately or talk about it. Domestic violence is often difficult to recognise as it is not always loud or obvious. Possible signs are visible injuries, changes in behaviour, a withdrawal from the social environment or indications of emotional or financial dependence. In such cases, I pay more attention to these signs.

Addressing concerns

It can be difficult to talk about violence. But an open conversation is an important first step and can prevent worse things from happening. If someone seems frightened or withdrawn, I speak to them gently. I listen without exerting pressure. Counselling centres and professionals offer support and help to show ways out of violence.

Providing security and trust

I create a calm and safe atmosphere so that the person can open up. They should feel that I believe them. I take their concerns seriously without interrupting or judging them. I avoid critical questions such as "Why don't you just leave?" because they put the person under pressure. Instead, I give her time and encourage her. She deserves support. It helps to tell her often: "You're not alone. There are ways out of violence."

Point out offers of help

Specialist centres in Lower Austria help with psychosocial counselling, legal information and support in acute emergencies. I inform her about anonymous and free support services. What she says there remains confidential. Help is available at every stage - whether she is unsure, wants to talk or is looking for a way out. The specialist centres also offer support later, when she is building a new, secure life. Counselling can take place in person, over the phone or by video - whichever suits her best.

To the offer of help

Stay patient and provide support

Every woman decides for herself when she wants to change something. I respect her pace and her decisions. Even if I want her to act quickly, I give her the time she needs. Violence often causes fear and insecurity. That's why it sometimes takes time for someone to accept help. It's important that I show them: I am there for them. Even small gestures or a supportive word can often be a great help.

You can find more information and tips for civil courage against domestic violence here:

Download guide (120 KB)

Help & advice in Lower Austria

Domestic violence affects many women. Various contact points in Lower Austria offer those affected safe support, confidential counselling and concrete offers of help. Regardless of whether you are looking for information, need protection or want to take the first step towards a life free of violence. Free of charge and anonymous.

Women's counselling

Women's counselling centres offer free, anonymous and confidential help, including in cases of domestic violence. The counsellors are bound by confidentiality and provide support with psychosocial, social and legal issues. Counselling is often available in several languages. Many counselling centres are only accessible to women and offer a protected space. Women affected by violence can find support here in order to find new paths and exercise their rights.

Contact information:

frauenberatung-noe.at

Women's shelter

Women's shelters offer women and their children protection when their home is no longer safe. Admission is possible at any time. Here, women who experience violence find accommodation, safety and support for an independent life. They receive counselling on legal, social and financial issues as well as help with finding a job and accommodation. Psychological stress is also taken care of. The first few weeks are free of charge, after which there may be a charge. All discussions remain confidential, but completely anonymous accommodation is not possible due to public funding.

Contact information:

NÖ Frauenhäuser

Violence Protection Centre

Violence protection centres can be found throughout Austria. They help women to protect their rights. If the police remove a violent person from their home, the centre is informed and offers immediate support. However, women can also report themselves. The centres help to extend bans on entering or approaching, advise on protective measures and accompany women in criminal proceedings against the violent person. They offer legal and psychological support.

Contact information:

+43 2742 319 66

gewaltschutzzentrum.at

Healthcare

There are specially trained victim protection groups in Lower Austrian clinics that help victims of violence. These specialists also secure forensic evidence and keep it for six months. It can also be important for legal action against the perpetrator at a later date. All information is treated confidentially. Professionals are only obliged to report the incident if there is an acute risk to life or health. The healthcare system is often the first point of contact for women who experience domestic violence. Doctors, nurses and therapists provide support with physical and psychological consequences.