Domestic violence:

“The perpetrators must be ashamed!”

Getting out of a violent relationship is difficult. It often takes several attempts.(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger/Daniel Scharinger)

One in three women in Austria has already been affected by physical or sexual violence, says Nikola Furtenbach from ifS. The new project "StoP - District without Partner Violence" aims to counteract domestic violence and also raise awareness of the issue among outsiders. 

It all started with shouting. Discussions escalated more and more frequently. Until one day he struck - and became violent again and again. The counselors at the ifs Violence Protection Center in Feldkirch are hearing more and more of these situations from those affected. On the one hand, because the ongoing crises have led to an increase in extreme situations in relationships, but also because those affected are increasingly daring to break out of their ordeal and seek help.