From 2 to 4 June 2025, a study visit to Vienna was organized within the project “WE CARE: Together Fighting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” funded by the European Union.
The study visit was implemented by the partner organization HERA, with organizational support from the European network WAVE (Women Against Violence Europe), facilitated through the National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.
The visit brought together representatives of women’s organizations, public prosecutors, and a representative from the Commission for Protection against Discrimination from North Macedonia, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experiences related to Austrian practices in addressing gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence and harassment.
The visit began with a meeting at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research, where participants learned about Austria’s national policies and coordination mechanisms for combating violence against women. The delegation was introduced to the country’s new National Action Plan on Violence against Women, developed through an inclusive process involving institutions, experts, and civil society organizations.
On the second day, participants visited specialized women’s support services in Vienna, including the Violence Protection Center and the Counseling Center for Sexual Violence against Women. These services presented a proactive, survivor-centered approach, which includes automatic referrals from the police to support centers and mandatory perpetrator intervention programs.
Particular interest was shown in the Gewaltambulanz (Violence Clinic)—a 24/7 forensic medical service providing free and anonymous examinations for victims of violence. This service allows forensic evidence to be preserved even when survivors are not ready to report the violence immediately, significantly improving access to justice.
The delegation also visited the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Justice, where discussions focused on legal frameworks addressing sexual and online violence, including legislation against online harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The importance of free legal aid and psychosocial support for survivors was emphasized as a key element of a victim-centered justice system.
The final day included a meeting with the Vienna Police Department, where participants learned about police procedures for responding to cases of violence, emergency protection measures such as restraining orders, and the collection of forensic evidence in cases of sexual violence.
The study visit provided an important opportunity for exchange of good practices and strengthening cooperation in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence. The Austrian model—based on coordination, specialization, and survivor-centered support—offers valuable insights that can inform future policy development and institutional responses in North Macedonia.
