Austria | Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz: Violence against women is not a private matter!

In the run-up to the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls, Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz emphasises: "We need more civil courage and more feminism!"

"If you realised that women and children were being subjected to physical or psychological violence, would you take action? Would you offer help to those affected or confront the perpetrator? The answer is usually: 'None of my business'. In my opinion, domestic violence is not a private matter. What we need is more civil courage and more feminism," emphasises Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz in the Kurier guest commentary in the run-up to the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November.

"Women's Affairs Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner has taken the right path with the 'National Action Plan against Violence against Women'. But it is not enough just to demand measures from politicians. We all have to act and show civil courage. This can be learned," says the Ombudsperson, referring to the violence prevention programme "StOP - neighbourhoods without partner violence". "Whether it's the autonomous women's shelters, the Frauenring or violence protection centres - there is support available," says Gaby Schwarz and appeals for more help to be offered to victims.

"The Austrian Ombudsman Board is the home of human rights in Austria. As an Ombudsperson, I emphasise time and again that every woman has the right to a life without violence. The reality is different: In 2024, there were 27 femicides in our country. Every third woman is affected by physical and/or sexual violence. More than one in four women experience sexual harassment at work and more than one in five women experience stalking. As long as women and girls are afraid to go home, as long as sexist remarks are tolerated instead of ostracised, as long as femicides are part of our everyday lives, as long as domestic violence is looked the other way - we need feminism for just as long. Courageous women and men who hold perpetrators accountable. Because the message should be: empower your daughters and educate your sons," says Gaby Schwarz.

In order to empower women in all situations, Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz has launched the #mutfrauen initiative. She regularly posts videos on Instagram (@gabyschwarz_official) and LinkedIn (Gaby Schwarz) of women talking about when they have had to be courageous. "It's about encouragement from women for women. More than 50 #mutfrauen are already involved, including Doris Schmidauer, Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, female entrepreneurs, survivors of violence and many more. I look forward to more #mutfrauen taking part in the initiative with a video," says Gaby Schwarz, extending an invitation to all interested parties.

Source: The Austrian Ombudsman Board