Policians reveal: This is how domestic violence paralyzes our society!

Policians reveal: This is how domestic violence paralyzes our society!

Hall in Tirol, Österreich - domestic violence is a topic that often remains in the shade, but the facts speak a clear language. Around 14,600 bans were imposed in Austria in 2024, and the number of unreported cases is probably even higher. Two police officers from Hall in Tyrol now give insights into their daily work and the challenges they experience in operations for domestic violence. According to meinzirk.at it can be seen that domestic violence takes place not only in partnerships, but also in shared apartments, families and friendships.

The causes are diverse and range from cultural backgrounds to alcohol and drug abuse. The realization that men appear more often than perpetrators is particularly worrying. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that male victims are often less likely to report. The police are legally obliged to intervene as soon as any signs of potential violence are known, regardless of how this information was obtained.

The procedure of the police

A clear strategy is being followed in use: First, the spatial separation of the parties involved, followed by separate surveys. Immediate measures are taken for acute hazards. Daniela U., police officer with additional training as a prevention officer since 2019, and her colleague Pamela P., who has been in the police for 18 years, confirm the importance of regular training in these sensitive operations.

An important aspect is that police officers often have no insight into the further course after an assignment. The follow -up is usually informally through conversations with colleagues. The need for these conversations is underlined, since each case brings unique challenges.

legal protective measures

The legal framework offers various protective measures that, according to police-beratung.de, strengthen civil protection for victims of domestic violence. This includes, for example, bans and rapprochement that can be pronounced by family courts. These prohibitions are not only limited to entering the shared apartment, but also on any way of contacting contact, be it by call or on social media.

• violations of these protective orders can lead to prison terms of up to two years.
• protection orders can also include regulations for handling children to ensure their security.

The Violence Protection Act stipulates that these orders can be handled flexibly so that affected people are protected. A personal application to the family court can be made not only by those affected themselves, but also with the help of a lawyer.

Against victims of violence, many contact points are available throughout Austria, such as the Tyrol Violence Protection Center. There, those affected not only receive legal information, but also psychological support.

prevention and education

The police also set educational work to counteract domestic violence. Lectures, personal conversations and social media are used. The message is clear: victims should take their courage together and accept help. Often those affected believe that they are to blame for violence. Here, too, the police officers from Hall point out that this must not be the case.

Another step towards a safe environment is seen in the prevention work. The combination of legal protection and enlightening measures could make the decisive difference for many women and girls who suffer from domestic violence, as well as the bmfsfj.de.