"Clear Work Order": Action Plan Against Violence Against Women Adopted

The government approved a national Action Plan against Violence against Women on Wednesday. Mostly already known initiatives, such as the examination of protection zones in front of health facilities, were provided with implementation dates. The planned reform of sexual criminal law is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026, reported Women's Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) in the press foyer after the cabinet meeting.

Holzleitner sees "mandate"

The head of the department emphasized that the Action Plan is not just a piece of paper but "a clear mandate." It is a joint work of various ministries that will also be implemented during the legislative period.

Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) emphasized that every third woman in Austria becomes a victim of violence. This ranges from physical assaults to stalking and sexual harassment. Those who oppress women and girls stand against "our values." Plakolm pointed out that, in her view, an above-average number of perpetrators are men with a migration background. Additionally, the number of honor-related violent acts has increased.

Wiederkehr announces 15 points

The government places its hopes in the field of education. The responsible minister, Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), announced 15 points that his department will contribute. Among other things, child protection concepts are to be developed, media literacy strengthened, and additional support for psycho-social health provided.

The reform of sexual criminal law is likely to require the most discussion within the government. The SPÖ advocates for the principle of "Only yes means yes" to be anchored in Austrian law. The ÖVP is skeptical about this. Today, both sides expressed themselves cautiously. Both Holzleitner and Plakolm pointed out that changes are planned, but international expertise is to be sought first.

Several Initiatives in Action Plan

The action plan is at least 24 pages long and includes a variety of different initiatives. These include plans for ankle bracelets or wristbands for high-risk violent offenders with a restraining order following a ban on entry (2026), the development of a draft to extend entry bans for sexual offenders to swimming pools and fitness studios (2026), the introduction of the compulsory school subject Democracy (in 2028), a headscarf ban for girls in schools (by 2026), targeted workshops in schools and youth centers against honor-related violence, the examination of a ban on sexually motivated image recordings without the consent of those affected (2026), the nationwide rollout of violence clinics (by 2029), and the creation of legal consequences for the abusive use of deepfakes (2026/2027).

Criticism came on Wednesday from the Greens and the Vienna FPÖ. The women's spokesperson for the Greens, Meri Disoski, described the action plan as a "non-binding sham package." "It is fundamentally important that the government presents a paper and continues measures that were already started under Green government participation. But paper alone does not protect a single woman. In violence protection and prevention, it is particularly scandalous and irresponsible that the federal government once again does not go beyond mere announcements." The measures of the federal government are inadequate. "Victim protection must always take precedence over offender protection," explained the women's spokesperson for the Vienna FPÖ, Lisa Frühmesser-Götschober.

(APA/Red)

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