Vienna Reports Surge in Violence Against Women

Frauenservice Wien reports a 20 percent rise in counseling contacts as emergency hotlines and shelters see a significant influx of clients.

Frauenservice Wien representative Laura Wimmer reports a 20 percent increase in counseling contacts since March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Vienna’s 24-hour women’s emergency hotline is currently recording significantly more calls regarding psychological, physical, and sexualized violence. Additional reports to ORF Wien from the Vienna Women’s Shelters, the counseling center for sexual violence, and the Austrian Integration Fund’s women’s centers confirm a broad increase in clients. Data from England indicates that violence against women often increases around matches of the English men’s football team. Alcohol consumption during major events is cited as a contributing factor that lowers inhibitions and leads to a higher frequency of assaults.