G'sunde Watschn in Order: One in Three Approves of Violence in Child Rearing

Violence in upbringing remains an issue in Austria. In a survey by the Gallup opinion institute, one-third of 1,000 respondents stated that drastic to violent measures can be used in child-rearing. "A truly disappointing result," said Hedwig Wölfl, managing director of Möwe, on Tuesday. She advocates for more prevention.

"35 years after the introduction of a ban on violence in upbringing, we had hoped that fewer people would consider violence in upbringing necessary," said Wölfl. This view is particularly widespread among less educated groups and especially in Vienna. Some affected individuals are also unaware that violence against children is punishable by law in Austria.

Different Levels of Awareness About Forms of Violence

Various forms of physical violence were clearly identified as violence by 90 percent. It was more differentiated with psychological violence: Here, one-third of respondents believed that ignoring a child or threatening to withdraw love are not violent actions.

Scenarios of neglect were also surveyed, such as the idea that a primary school child does not receive regular meals and is left alone several times a week until late at night. "This issue, like the problematic use of digital media, has not yet reached people's minds," said Johanna Zimmerl, head of Möwe child protection centers. "When children are occupied with a phone or tablet for several hours, or no one cares for them for hours, it causes lasting harm to children and adolescents."

Experience of Violence Strongly Age-Dependent

Personal experiences of violence in childhood are strongly generation-dependent. While ten percent of respondents aged 10 to 29 reported having experienced or are experiencing such violence, it was 46 percent among those over 64.

More Prevention Demanded

Möwe insists on prevention to avoid violence against children. "There needs to be more education, awareness-raising, and campaigns that reach all age groups and social classes. Funds urgently need to be made available for this," emphasized Wölfl. Mandatory consultations on psychosocial topics during pregnancy and the early period with the child would also be an opportunity.

(APA/Red)

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