Domestic Violence in Austria: Where to Get Help and How Protection Orders Work

Domestic violence in Austria is not a private matter. The person using violence may be removed from the home by the police, while the Bezirksgericht can provide longer-term protection. Free and confidential support is also available, regardless of residence status.

In brief:

• In immediate danger, call the police on 133 or 112.
• A police exclusion and protection order normally lasts two weeks and covers a 100-metre area.
• A court interim injunction can last up to six months for protection in the home and up to one year for general protection.
• The Frauenhelpline is free and available around the clock on 0800 222 555.
• Gewaltschutzzentren offer free and confidential services, regardless of residence status.

What counts as domestic violence?

Violence is not limited to physical assault. It can be physical, psychological, sexual, digital or economic, and several forms may occur at the same time.

• Psychological violence: ongoing insults, humiliation, threats, control and manipulation.
• Economic violence: taking or withholding money, creating debt in your name or preventing you from working.
• Digital violence: harassment on social media or messaging services, publishing humiliating images or using tracking applications.
• Stalking: persistently following, monitoring or intimidating someone over an extended period.

In 2022, around one third of women aged 18 to 74—approximately 35 percent—had experienced physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. Men can also be victims. The number 0800 400 777 provides free advice around the clock for men.

Who can you call immediately?

If someone threatens you with violence or has already assaulted you, the police can help immediately. The victim, a relative or a witness such as a neighbour can contact the nearest Polizeiinspektion or call 133.

• Police: 133 or 112, in immediate danger.
• Frauenhelpline: 0800 222 555, free and available 24/7.
• Men’s crisis helpline: 0800 400 777, free and available 24/7.
• Violence and ageing advice, Pro Senectute: +43 699 11 20 00 99, confidential and free.
• Children, Rat auf Draht: 147, nationwide.

Police exclusion and protection orders

The police can issue a Betretungs- und Annäherungsverbot if there is a risk of a dangerous attack threatening a person’s life, health or freedom.

• The person using violence may not enter the home or its 100-metre surroundings.
• They may not approach the person at risk within 100 metres.
• The police may take away their house keys, although they may collect essential personal belongings.
• An automatic temporary weapons ban also applies.
• Everyone living in the home is protected, regardless of their relationship to the person using violence or ownership of the property.

The order lasts two weeks. If you apply for a court interim injunction during this period, it can be extended to a maximum of four weeks, and the court must decide within that period.

If a child under 14 also lives in the home, the police inform child and youth welfare services and, where necessary, the school or kindergarten.

What obligations apply to the person using violence?

Within five days, they must contact a violence-prevention counsellor and complete at least six hours of counselling within no more than 14 days of making contact. Failure to do so can result in an administrative fine of up to 5,000 euros or, if the fine cannot be recovered, detention of up to six weeks. In the event of repeated violations, the police may also detain the person.

Court protection: interim injunctions

For longer-term protection, you can apply to the Bezirksgericht for an einstweilige Verfügung. A previous police exclusion order is not required. The application is not limited to close relatives.

Protection in the home

• What it does: the person using violence must leave the home and may not return.
• Condition: you urgently need the home.
• Maximum duration: six months.

General protection

• What it does: it can prohibit the person from entering certain places, such as a workplace, school or kindergarten, and can prohibit contact.
• Condition: the serious interests of the person using violence must not conflict with the order.
• Maximum duration: one year, with a further one-year period possible if the rules are violated.

Both types of protection can be extended if legal proceedings are started in the same matter, for example divorce proceedings. Breaching the order is punishable. Contact the police if this happens.

Where can you get free help?

Every Austrian province has a Gewaltschutzzentrum. If the police issue an exclusion order, the centre will contact you automatically. It can explain your rights, help with applications, accompany you to a police interview and support you during court proceedings. Advice can be provided in your first language or with an interpreter.

Women and children in immediate danger can receive safe accommodation in Frauenhäuser.

Frequently asked questions

Can only women ask for help?

No. Gewaltschutzzentren are open to everyone, regardless of age, gender or residence status. Men also have a separate free crisis helpline.

Do I have to leave the home if I am being abused?

The person using violence is the one who must leave. The police and the court can exclude that person from the shared home.

Can my address appear in the documents if I am a witness?

You can request that your address is not included in the file. In cases of stalking, an address-blocking order can also be issued.

What should I do if a child in my surroundings is being abused?

Do not ignore it. You can contact the police, child and youth welfare services or a child-protection organisation.

Practical steps

1. If there is immediate danger, move to a safe place if possible and call 133 or 112.
2. Tell the police what happened and ask about a Betretungs- und Annäherungsverbot.
3. Contact a Gewaltschutzzentrum or the Frauenhelpline for confidential support and help with applications.
4. If you need longer protection, apply to the Bezirksgericht for an einstweilige Verfügung.
5. If an order is breached, contact the police immediately.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal, medical or other professional advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a lawyer or another relevant professional. Source: oesterreich.gv.at.