Lower Austria police and NEUSTART expand victim protection with restraining orders and counseling

The police in Lower Austria are using the Violence Protection Act to issue immediate entry and approach bans for persons deemed a threat to household members. In 2023 the force issued 2,785 bans, 2,795 in 2024, 2,561 in 2025, and 1,411 by the end of June 2026.

The regional NGO NEUSTART works with the police to provide mandatory violence‑prevention counselling to those subject to the bans. Since the programme began on 1 September 2022, the 10,000th offender was counselled in June 2026. Franz Popp said, “Effective violence protection succeeds only through the interplay of decisive intervention, sustainable prevention and professional support.” NEUSTART director Alexander Grohs added, “Since the start of the counselling, the 10,000th offender was served in June 2026.” The combined approach aims to deter further abuse and strengthen safety for victims in Niederösterreich.