Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz: Violence against women is a violation of human rights!

"Violence against women is a violation of human rights," emphasises Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz on the occasion of International Human Rights Day on 10 December, which also marks the end of the "16 Days Against Violence" campaign. "The Austrian Ombudsman Board is the home of human rights in Austria. As a woman, as a feminist and as an Ombudswoman, I will continue to work to ensure that women's rights are truly practised instead of neglected. It is crucial that we stand up together against male violence against women not just on 16 days, but all year round. Because every woman and every girl has the right to a life without violence," emphasises Gaby Schwarz.

"Every measure that helps to better protect women from male violence is right and important. It is crucial that they are implemented swiftly," says the Ombudswoman, referring to the federal government's National Action Plan against Violence, which includes an ankle monitor for high-risk offenders who are banned from entering prisons.

Suicide rate in prisons higher than ever before

"The human rights situation in Austria's prisons is in danger of collapsing," warns the Ombudswoman responsible for the prison system. "Austria's prisons are designed for 8,800 prisoners. However, there are currently more than 10,000. High occupancy rates and too few staff are part of everyday life in the prison system. This results in poor care conditions, more difficult resocialisation and rising suicide rates. This year there have already been 54 attempted and 8 actual suicides in prisons. There have never been so many incidents. I appeal to the responsible Ministry of Justice to take immediate measures to improve conditions for inmates and staff," warns Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz. By way of comparison: in 2020, there were 28 attempted and actual suicides in prisons in Austria.

"I have been calling for an improvement in suicide prevention for prisoners for years. This includes a second assessment of the suicide risk after the first eight to twelve weeks in prison," says Gaby Schwarz, referring to 48 recommendations made by a group of experts commissioned by the Ministry of Justice in 2023, in which the Austrian Ombudsman Board participated. "Human rights do not end at the prison gate" The Austrian Ombudsman Board will continue to advocate for the protection and strengthening of human rights in Austria as part of the National Preventive Mechanism.