JUFA hotels offer free rooms to women affected by violence

Women affected by violence can now stay anonymously and free of charge at nine JUFA hotels in Styria and seven more elsewhere in Austria, ORF reported. The six-month pilot project, called Check-in, combines short-term accommodation with counselling.

Many women still find it difficult to enter a violence protection facility. Under the project, they can seek protection for several days at participating hotels without having to provide an explanation for their stay.

Free and anonymous check-in requires a detailed counselling session. This can take place in person, by video call or by telephone, according to Michaela Gosch of the Styrian women’s shelters.

The Styrian women’s shelters, the Styrian men’s counselling centre and JUFA hotels are working together on the project. Styrian state councillor for social affairs Hannes Amesbauer said it was intended to reach women through a low-threshold service before they needed to enter a violence protection facility. The state of Styria is providing 73,000 euros in funding.

The project also includes a new website where users can access an initial support service anonymously via chat. Christian Scambor of the Styrian men’s counselling centre said the aim was to reach the partners of women using the project and help them address relationship conflicts and separation situations before violence occurs.