Carinthia police issued 687 removal orders after violence

Carinthia police have ordered people deemed dangerous to leave 687 times this year following acts of violence, ORF reports. Two women have also been victims of femicide in the state this year. A 16-day campaign against violence will run from November 25 to December 10.

People accused of violence regularly face proceedings at the regional court. During the campaign, the Wolfsberg district police command will run a pilot project to make it easier for people to seek help. Officers will be available from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in cafés, with a presence in each area they cover at least once during the campaign.

Police officer Daniela Puffing said the project aims to break the silence around violence and help people feel less hesitant about contacting police. She also described an internationally used silent distress signal for someone unable to call out: show an open palm, fold the thumb into it, then close the fingers over the thumb. Anyone who sees the signal should act immediately. Police can ask the person for more information and intervene to stop potential violence, Puffing said.

A study commissioned by Austria’s violence protection centres two years ago found that women who became victims had not confided in anyone beforehand. Margot Moser-Lechner, head of a violence protection centre, said seeking help was still associated with shame. She said surveys suggest that one in five women, or as many as one in three in some studies, experience violence and sexual violence during their lives.

Advocates say changes in society are also needed to stop cycles of violence, including challenging patriarchal structures and ending financial dependence. Sandra Sabitzer, a supporter of the “Women Strike” initiative, said work was needed to change gender roles and that men should speak up when they see injustice. A nationwide women’s strike has been called for May 3.