Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz: Every woman has the right to a life without violence!

In Austria, 35 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 74 suffer physical and/or sexualised violence in their lifetime. In 2025, 15 women were murdered by men; this year we already have two femicides. "Every year on International Women's Day, we hear the same clichés about equality and respect, the need for violence prevention programmes or strengthening women's rights. But it feels like little changes. We have to bring about change ourselves. We need courageous women and men who look instead of looking away, who address sexism in everyday life and hold men accountable.

Domestic violence in rural areas and against older women is a blind spot

The Ombudswoman describes domestic violence in rural areas and against older women as an "absolute blind spot". "Especially in rural areas, domestic violence is still very much seen as a private matter that people don't get involved in. The female victims usually remain silent out of shame and helplessness. We need to break down this outdated social image," demands Gaby Schwarz, referring to programmes such as "Neighbourhoods without partner violence".

Where rigid gender roles meet age discrimination, older women are particularly at risk of becoming victims of domestic violence. According to a survey conducted by the Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters in 2024, 14 out of 27 women killed were over 60 years old. "Older women are therefore disproportionately often victims of fatal violence by men. It's time to take a closer look and offer more help to older women who are exposed to male violence," says Gaby Schwarz.

"Every measure that helps to better protect women from male violence is important. It is crucial that they are implemented swiftly," said the Ombudswoman, referring to the federal government's National Action Plan against Violence, which includes an ankle monitor for high-risk offenders with a ban on entering the premises. "Violence against women is a violation of human rights. As the House of Human Rights in Austria, the Austrian Ombudsman Board will continue to campaign for improvements in the future," concludes Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz.