Domestic violence

Graham Crewe
Dec 12, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Mar 21, 2024

I'm grateful to an anonymous contributor who has compiled this information and shared it with me to share with the group.

Note that there is a secret hand signal that can be used to raise the alarm:

The signal is performed by holding your hand up with your thumb tucked into your palm, then folding your fingers down, symbolically trapping your thumb in your fingers. It was intentionally designed as a single continuous hand movement, rather than a sign held in one position, that could be made easily visible.

If you need help we urge you to please call, email, or walk-in to one of the organisations below for a free and confidential consultation. If you are unable to call, try to have someone contact them for you.

Frauenhaus and Gewaltschutzzentrum are the best initial contacts for English speakers, because they have more workers who speak the language. All of these organisations work together and provide free advice and consultations in a wide variety of languages. The representative you speak with can help decide which organization is the best fit for your needs, and you can choose to stay anonymous.

Frauenhaus (Women's House)

Phone: 0662 458 458

Email: office@frauenhaus-salzburg.at or frauenbereich@frauenhaus-salzburg.at

Website: http://www.frauenhaus-salzburg.at

Can be reached via phone or email outside of normal business hours.

Women’s shelter providing immediate advice, protection, and housing for women and children who are affected by physical, psychological or sexual violence in relationships (marriage, cohabitation, family, social environment).

The maximum length of stay is one year and depends on the situation and problem of the woman concerned. Free advice and consultations are provided.

Gewaltschutz Zentrum Wien

Phone: +43 1 585 32 88

Address: Neubaugasse 1/3 (Ecke Mariahilfer Straße), 1070 Wien

Website: https://www.gewaltschutzzentrum.at/wien/

Office hours: Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 20:00 Uhr; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 – 18:00 Uhr (please phone ahead to make an appointment)

There are also regional offices throughout Austria: see the website above for contact details

Gewaltschutzzentrum (Violence Prevention Centre)

Address: Paris-Lodron-Straße 3A, 5020 Salzburg

Phone: 0662 870 100

Email: office.salzburg@gewaltschutzzentrum.at

Website: http://www.gewaltschutzzentrum.eu/

Office Hours: Monday through Friday (They are wonderful about promptly returning calls and emails)

Provides legal advice on how to handle a violent or threatening person in your life. They can advise the best course of action to keep yourself safe and can help contact the authorities, file restraining orders, etc… as needed. They will find a way to help keep you safe, and to ensure you feel safe. Again, free consultations are provided.

Frauentreffpunkt (Women's Meeting Point)

Address: Strubergasse 26, 5020 Salzburg

Phone: 0662 875498

Email: office@frauentreffpunkt.at

Website: https://www.frauentreffpunkt.at/

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 to 13:00.

Wednesday 13:00 to 17:00. Sometimes slow to respond to calls and emails.

The consultations take place in the form of one-on-one discussions. Telephone consultations and brief information consultations without an appointment are possible during opening hours.

They also offer accompaniment to police, courts, or other institutions if required.

Offers psychosocial, psychological, and legal advice on working, relationships, children, violence, immigration, mental health, and general livelihood. Free consultations are provided.