Vienna centre reports sharp rise in digital violence

Vienna’s Violence Protection Centre has observed a steep rise in digital violence over the past two years, ORF Wien reported on Wednesday. Jasmina Gründler of the centre said that nearly half of police orders barring someone from entering or approaching another person involve digital abuse.

Police issued about 4,000 such orders in Vienna in 2025. Cases in which women are digitally monitored by former partners are particularly common, Gründler said. Digital abuse can allow perpetrators to watch their victims around the clock, leaving them in constant uncertainty.

A case involving a 21-year-old Swedish man, reported the day before, has highlighted the risks. He is accused of using online platforms including Roblox and Discord to make a 14-year-old girl emotionally dependent on him and encourage her to take her own life. She survived the attempt. If convicted as charged, he could face up to 20 years in prison. He was 20 at the time of the alleged offences and is considered a young adult under juvenile justice law.

Gründler said victims often do not realise they are experiencing digital violence, which leaves no visible injuries. She urged people to take notice if a young person changes or withdraws, and said individual advice, a safety plan and quick action to preserve evidence can help break the cycle of abuse.

People in crisis can call Austria’s telephone counselling service on 142 at any time, free of charge. Young people and young adults can also contact Rat auf Draht on 147. Reports of possible suicides may worsen the situation for people already in crisis.