On September 24, 2026, the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), together with representatives of the police, brought together experts from education, security, the justice system, child and youth welfare, as well as counseling and violence protection services. The expert workshop, "Protecting Women and Girls – Violence Prevention in the Context of Integration," focused on current forms of violence and social control, as well as practical approaches to prevention, early detection, and intervention. The aim was to exchange experiences, raise awareness of support services, and further expand cooperation to protect and empower women and girls.
Violence prevention in four key areas of life
Following a keynote address by Theresa Amon (ÖIF), participants worked in four groups on key areas of life for girls and young women. The focus in the area of school was on youth gangs, peer pressure, and specific cases of violence, as well as the options available to teachers. The family working group addressed family expectations, traditional gender roles, negative social control, and potential limitations on self-determination. Another group focused on the digital sphere and how control, pressure, and violence are exerted via social media and digital communication channels and how these can be recognized early on. The fourth topic, public space, explored how to strengthen girls' safe and equal participation and sustainably promote their access to public spaces.
Finally, the results of the working groups were presented jointly. They are intended to inform the further development of measures and collaborations in the field of violence prevention.
Networking as the basis for effective prevention
The ÖIF's discussion series offers a regular forum for exchange among professionals who deal with issues of violence prevention in their daily work. In addition to networking, the series focuses particularly on collaboration between integration services, education, the police, the judiciary, and counseling services. The format will be further developed step by step and expanded to other federal states in the future. Another event focusing on working with perpetrators is planned for 2027.
