In Austria, the alarming rise in femicides has sparked a critical examination of the underlying causes, with 26 women killed in 2024 alone, primarily by current or former partners.
Psychiatrist Sigrun Roßmanith highlights the role of patriarchal structures and male ego in these violent acts, noting that many perpetrators struggle with separation and frustration.
This inability to cope often leads to extreme violence, as men view leaving as a personal failure.
A study by the Institute for Conflict Research found that between 2016 and 2020, 100 femicide victims were identified, with a significant portion of perpetrators having a migration background.
Despite the prevalence of violence, many women do not seek help from support centers, underscoring the need for increased awareness and proactive outreach by organizations like the Vienna Violence Protection Center.
The center emphasizes that violence is never a private matter but a criminal act, urging women to seek help and support.