Austria to increase violence protection budget and personnel

The Austrian government has announced significant measures to strengthen violence protection. The Ministry of the Interior plans to increase its budget to 27 million euros by 2027, which would triple the number of prevention officers to over 1,400.

Key initiatives include the development of electronic monitoring, such as ankle monitors, for high-risk offenders. An assessment regarding the implementation of these invasive measures is expected this autumn. Additionally, the women's budget will be increased over the next two years to bolster counseling services, particularly for victims of sexualized violence.

Violence protection is being integrated into basic police training, with expertise from violence protection centers being utilized. Officials emphasized the importance of increasing female representation within the police force to encourage victims to come forward. The proactive approach involves protection centers actively contacting victims to lower institutional barriers to seeking help.