At Christmas time, when the days become shorter and many people spend more time at home with their families, incidents of domestic violence unfortunately also increase. Together with the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Trade Association (HV), BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, PENNY and ADEG are therefore launching a 16-day information campaign against violence against women and girls again this year, starting on 25 November. The police emergency number (133), the women's helpline (0800 222 555), the number of the violence protection centre (0800 700 217) and the victim emergency number of the Austrian justice system (0800 112 112) will be printed on the cash register receipts of the retail companies of the REWE Group in order to inform those affected about appropriate help facilities.
"With this initiative, we want to make a small contribution together with the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Trade Association (HV) to help those affected. Especially at Christmas time, we would like to use the 1.9 million daily contacts with our customers at the checkout counters throughout Austria to make it easier for affected girls and women to access support services. In addition, we also want to raise awareness among all customers of where they can turn to," emphasises Christoph Matschke, REWE International AG Management Board member.
Appropriate information on the cash register receipts provides women affected by violence with a quick overview of where they can turn for unbureaucratic help. "The vast majority of our customers and 90 per cent of our employees are female. The tips are intended to inform women who shop with us or also work with us about different help and counselling services," explains Bettina Felner, Sales Manager BIPA.
"With this campaign, we are once again setting a strong signal against violence against women and children together with the trade association and REWE International AG and would like to contribute to raising awareness. With the right behaviour, a significant contribution can be made to safety for all," said Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner.
"The crises have changed, but the pressure within families and especially on women has remained constantly high. That is why we want to support the violence protection campaign with a nationwide Kassabon initiative, so that every woman can establish a low-threshold direct line to the protection facilities," said Rainer Will, Trade Association Managing Director.
Important contact points
In addition to the police emergency number 133, women, children and youths can call the women's helpline for crisis counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week - in eight languages. Another contact point for victims of domestic violence is the Federal Association of Nine Violence Protection Centres, which also offers on-site counselling in all provinces through numerous regional offices.
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