Fight against violence

When Kassabon can save a million lives

Women who are victims of domestic violence often bear their suffering in secret out of shame.(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

The local supermarket Spar supports the fight against violence against women by providing information. In Lower Austria alone, more than one million till receipts are sent on helpful journeys every day.

One million opportunities cross local "store counters" every day. One million times inconspicuous help and support for victims of violence. That's how many receipts leave the Spar Lower Austria supermarkets every day. As part of the "16 days against violence against women", the local supplier is once again committed to the fight against domestic violence this year.

Informed by cash register receipt: Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister and Alois Huber, Managing Director of Spar NÖ.(Bild: NLK Pfeffer)

Until December 10, telephone numbers for people seeking help will be printed on every SPAR till receipt, providing information on protection against violence - in print or digitally, making it an easily accessible offer. "Appreciation and respect are important values in our corporate culture - there is no place for violence," explains Spar Managing Director Alois Huber.

The figures show that the commitment is having an impact: The women's hotline rang almost 1,300 times last year. At the other end of the line were victims of physical and psychological violence hoping for help.

Providing information about services
"Unfortunately, domestic violence is still mostly treated as a private problem. Women often find it difficult to talk about the violence they have experienced or to ask for help," says Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, Provincial Councillor for Women. This makes it all the more important to spread the word about support services and contact points and to inform potential victims of violence.