The Mühlviertel will soon have its own women’s shelter

Mühlviertel. Women’s State Councilor Christine Haberlander (VP) and National Council member Sabine Schatz (SP) did not want to reveal where the new women’s shelter for the Mühlviertel would be built. After all, a certain degree of anonymity is a prerequisite for such protective facilities. “Violence against women is one of the ugliest sides of our society and unfortunately still a reality,” said Women’s State Councilor Christine Haberlander on the occasion of the agreement on the location of a women’s shelter for the Mühlviertel. She presented this together with National Council member Sabine Schatz, who has been campaigning for a women’s shelter location in the Mühlviertel for years. She is pleased that there will now be one in the Lower Mühlviertel: “This development is a decisive step forward for the Mühlviertel. The choice of location and the planned capacities are a clear commitment to supporting women affected by violence and their children in times of greatest need,” she says .

Not an urban problem

The new location was selected after careful examination and must meet a whole range of criteria. Optimal accessibility is just as important as simultaneous discretion. That’s why a connection to the public transport network and accessibility to facilities such as a kindergarten or a school are among the most important points. There are also shopping opportunities at the new location.

It is important that the facility can be integrated unobtrusively into the surrounding area and that the building is not recognizable from the outside as a women’s shelter. There is a simple reason why the women’s shelter in Linz is not simply expanded: “Violence against women is not an urban problem, but is unfortunately widespread throughout the country. We want to offer access to protected living areas for women and children in every district,” says Haberlander . The planned women’s shelter in the Mühlviertel will offer 18 places to live, six of which are for women and twelve for children, as they are usually also affected when violence is committed against a woman.

This will also relieve the burden on the women’s shelter in Linz, which had an occupancy rate of 95 percent last year. “That alone shows the need and urgency for additional accommodation options in the region,” says Schatz.

Financing by the country

Each women’s shelter is run by an association. These sponsoring associations are commissioned by the state of Upper Austria to offer protection and security to women and children who are exposed to violence in their environment.

After its completion, the women’s shelter will be operated by the Mühlviertel Women’s House Association. The association is financed by the Social Affairs Department of the State of Upper Austria. This also covers the construction costs, which are estimated at around 1.6 million euros. Now that the property has been found in a corresponding community, construction can begin. “Both the community and the property were selected with careful agreement. Because a community has to identify with it,” assured Haberlander. Now the building and a protected outdoor area are being built on the 1200 m2. Everything is designed to meet the needs of the women and children involved.

Unbureaucratic help

The women’s shelters can be reached around the clock; Admission is possible at any time and takes place quickly and unbureaucratically. Anonymity is an important pillar of security. This prevents violent partners from tracking down the women. In addition to offering accommodation, women’s shelters also offer support from the initial consultation to developing new perspectives in life. Psychological support and legal advice are also possible. Basically, the women decide for themselves how long they want to stay in the accommodation. The stay in a women’s shelter varies from a few days to several months. (fur)