Universal Periodic Review

Strengthen measures to address unreported cases of femicides and domestic violence against women, hate crimes against migrants, refugees and asylum-seeking women and girls

Proponent:

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Apr 1, 2025):

The Austrian government has ensured the funding of violence protection centres and supported the expansion of shelters and transitional housing. The budget for women’s and girls‘ advice centres was increased by 67 per cent to 13.6 million euros (see Measures Report BMI, 2023: https://www.bmi.gv.at/news.aspx?id=754742316C7558786E42413D). Another focus is on the nationwide introduction of violence outpatient clinics, which provide victims with free examinations regardless of the procedure. These outpatient clinics are intended to improve the documentation of injuries and thus increase the conviction rate in cases of domestic violence. In addition, cooperation between various ministries and departments is being continuously strengthened and regular violence protection summits are held to promote the exchange of best practices and networking between experts. Measures have also been introduced to better recognise and document violence and to raise awareness of the „silent emergency call“. Despite this progress, there are still gaps in the protection against violence, particularly in the area of conviction rates and research into unreported cases. Organisations such as the association AÖF and the Alliance Gewaltfrei leben are therefore calling for a further increase in the budget for gender equality and violence prevention work in order to achieve real equality and a significant reduction in violence against women in the long term.   As part of the Government Plan 2025-2029, the federal government is pursuing this goal through close cooperation with all stakeholders (see Government Plan 2ß025-2029: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/bundeskanzleramt/die-bundesregierung/regierungsdokumente.html). There continue to be concerns about the effectiveness of measures in Austria to combat hate crimes against migrant women. The latest data on hate crimes against women and hate crimes against migrant women in Austria show an alarming increase in reported cases in 2022 compared to the previous year. Despite a higher detection rate, many of these crimes remain unsolved. Of particular concern is the increase in offences based on ideology, national/ethnic origin and religion. Despite this, there is a lack of specific measures to prevent and support migrant women affected, and barriers to data collection and dark field research remain. Policymakers are called upon to develop and implement more effective strategies and a national action plan to combat hate crime.