From November 25 to December 10, REWE Group is once again setting an example against violence against women and girls. Together with the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), all REWE Group retail companies (BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, PENNY and ADEG) are launching a 16-day information campaign against domestic violence - from the International Day against Violence against Women to Human Rights Day. The police emergency number (133), the women's helpline (0800 222 555) and the number of the violence protection center (0800 700 217) will be printed on the receipts of the REWE Group retail companies to inform those affected about appropriate help facilities.
At Christmas time, when the days get shorter and many people spend more time at home with their families, incidents of domestic violence also increase. In the course of 2023, 25 women in Austria have already become victims of femicide and 36 women have experienced attempted murder or severe violence (as of November 2023). In the previous year, 27 women fell victim to femicide and 30 women were subjected to severe violence[1].
In close cooperation with "GEMEINSAM.SICHER mit unserer Polizei", REWE Group plays an important role in the fight against domestic violence. This partnership ensures, among other things, that potential victims of domestic violence receive quick and uncomplicated access to urgently needed support.
"I am personally shocked by the number of femicides and violent crimes against women in recent years. For us at REWE Group, it is clear that we reject all forms of violence - whether verbal, emotional or physical. Against this background, this initiative together with the Ministry of the Interior is at least a small contribution that we can and want to make to help those affected," emphasizes Marcel Haraszti, Management Board member of REWE International AG, and explains: "Two thirds of our customers, but also of our employees, are female. The information is intended to inform women who shop with us or work for us about the various help and advice services available."
Michael Paterno, member of the BILLA Management Board, believes it is REWE Group's corporate responsibility to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women: "Especially during the Christmas season, we want to use the daily encounters with our customers at checkouts throughout Austria to make it easier for affected girls and women to access support services. We want to provide low-threshold education on the topic of violence against women, but also inform all our customers about contact points."
"It is also our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees and customers. We condemn all forms of violence. The protection of our employees and customers is our top priority. Together, we are committed to a violence-free environment in which women in particular can work and shop safely," says Raz Manne, Head of Corporate Security at REWE Group.
"With this campaign, we are once again sending 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. The right behavior can make a significant contribution to safety for everyone," says Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.
Important contact points
In addition to the police emergency number 133, women, children and young people can call the women's helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crisis advice - in eight languages. Another point of contact for those affected by domestic violence is the Federal Association of Nine Violence Protection Centers, which also offers local advice through numerous regional offices in all federal states.
[1]AOEF - Autonomous Austrian Women's Shelters: Alleged femicides and attempted murders in 2022/2023 according to media reports
https://www.aoef.at/index.php/zahlen-und-daten/femizide-in-oesterreich
