Pinzgau women's shelter: Petition ensures continued existence in Saalfelden!

Pinzgau women's shelter: Petition ensures continued existence in Saalfelden!

Last week, a petition from the Pinzgau women's shelter was submitted to the Salzburg state parliament, calling for the women's shelter to be maintained in its current form. This comes amid rumors of a possible abolition of the institution, which has been providing protection for women and children affected by domestic violence since 1997. The women's shelter is located in Saalfelden and, following a new building in 2022, will offer five barrier-free protective apartments. State Councilor Daniela Gutschi ({ SN }) assures that the location will be preserved and the continuation of the women's shelter will be ensured.

Head of department Simon Kellner emphasizes the need for a call for tenders for the sponsoring association in order to ensure a fair and transparent process. The previous violence protection day centers have also successfully completed such tenders. The sponsorship is awarded 40% based on cost and 60% based on quality, which gives the Pinzgau Women's Shelter the opportunity to apply. However, the current funding of his offer is viewed as legally untenable, which underlines the urgency of the new tender.

Important information about the tender

The planned tender for the new sponsoring association of the Pinzgau women's shelter is planned for spring 2026, with an award decision in summer 2026 and the new sponsor starting on July 1, 2027. The current sponsoring association will remain in office until then. It is often heard that larger organizations could compete with smaller clubs. But Kellner emphasizes that regional characteristics should also be taken into account when awarding the award, thereby preserving the interest in regional sponsorship.

However, the Pinzgau Women's Shelter association fears that it will have to compete against larger organizations in the tender. Nevertheless, they plan to apply for the tender. The current situation also affects the “Many” association, which is also prepared to apply again. A collaboration between the two associations is being considered in order to secure the valuable structures on site. By 2025, for example, 337,225 euros in funding have already been paid out to the Pinzgau women's shelter, and the state is making the property available free of charge.

The women's shelter: an important shelter

Women's shelters and shelters in Austria offer unbureaucratic emergency assistance for women affected by violence and their children. In addition to protection and accommodation, the offer also includes food and comprehensive advice. These support affected women in various life situations, be it with official matters, custody issues or looking for an apartment. Nationality, religion and income are irrelevant when it comes to access to these important offers of help ({ bmfwf }).

The next period will be crucial, not only for the Pinzgau women's shelter, but also for similar facilities in Austria that offer those affected a safe haven. It remains to be hoped that the important structures will be preserved in the coming tenders and that the needs of women in rural areas will be taken into account.