Press Release 25th November 2025

REWE Group in Austria supports ‘16 Days Against Violence Against Women’ with receipt campaign

The REWE Group in Austria (BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, PENNY and ADEG) is once again setting an example this year by supporting a nationwide information initiative that informs victims of violence about help and protection services. From 25 November to 10 December 2025, the REWE Group in Austria will once again be participating in a national awareness campaign against violence against women and girls.

A group of individuals, including women in uniform and men in suits, stands in a formal setting with Austrian and European Union flags behind them. One person holds a sign that translates to "Together Safe Against Violence Against Women" in German. They stand on a polished wooden floor with ornate decor in the background.

From left to right: Stefanie Jäger (Chief Inspector, Federal Ministry of the Interior), Adriana Barukcic (Corporate Security), Petra Warisch (Federal Criminal Police Office), Franz Ruf (Director General for Public Security, Federal Ministry of the Interior), Michael Takacs (Federal Police Director), Robert Nagele (Board Member for Real Estate and Sustainability), Maelis Wittmann (Corporate Security), KontrInsp. Elisa-Maria Blümel (BM.I - Federal Ministry of the Interior) / Copyright: © REWE Group Österreich / Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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At a glance

REWE Group in Austria is participating in the international campaign ‘16 Days Against Violence Against Women’ and providing information about support services for women and girls.
Emergency numbers and advice centres are printed on all receipts from BILLA, BILLA PLUS, BIPA, PENNY and ADEG.
The campaign runs from 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – to 10 December – Human Rights Day.

Together with the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), the company is sending a strong message about awareness and prevention. Throughout the campaign period, all receipts from REWE retail companies will feature the most important emergency numbers – police (133), women's helpline (0800 222 555), victim emergency number (0800 112 112) and violence protection centre (0800 700 217) – printed on all receipts issued by REWE retail companies. This ensures that the information reaches people directly in their everyday lives – in an accessible and effective way.

‘With millions of receipts printed every day, we have enormous reach that we want to use meaningfully,’ says Robert Nagele, Chief Executive Officer for Real Estate and Sustainability. ‘Every receipt can become a silent companion – with a number that can save lives at a crucial moment. Our goal is to encourage women and girls to seek help and show them that there are ways out of violence and that “you are not alone”.’

An everyday problem needs everyday visibility

Violence against women remains one of the biggest social problems – it affects all social classes and age groups. The risk of domestic violence increases, especially in the darker months of the year when family life increasingly takes place indoors. With its receipt campaign, which is being implemented as part of the ‘GEMEINSAM.SICHER mit unserer Polizei’ (SAFE TOGETHER with our police) initiative, the REWE Group in Austria wants to do its part to raise awareness of violence against girls and women. The aim is to make help more accessible to those affected and to contribute to greater awareness and consciousness in society.

‘As a company, we also have a social responsibility and, thanks to our wide reach, we have the opportunity to draw attention to support services in a low-threshold manner,’ emphasises Marcus Schober, Head of Corporate Security at REWE Group Austria. ‘We want to show that violence prevention must be visible and tangible. Each of us can be part of the solution – through awareness, moral courage and the willingness to look or speak up.’

Working together for greater security

At REWE Group in Austria, the safety and well-being of customers and employees is a responsibility that is lived out every day. To this end, the company relies on a broad package of measures ranging from training courses for employees, electronic monitoring and reporting systems and other security precautions to close cooperation with the police as part of the ‘GEMEINSAM.SICHER’ initiative.

Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Safety at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, says: "By making it easier for those affected to access help and raising awareness of the issue in everyday life, we are empowering them to seek support at an early stage. The cooperation with the REWE Group shows how many social actors can work together to help people find ways out of violence. It is a signal of solidarity that women and girls in difficult situations know that help is available and accessible."

Federal Police Director Michael Takacs also emphasises the importance of this cooperation: ‘Protection against violence can only succeed if everyone works together. Through the partnership with the REWE Group and the Trade Association, we reach people where they are in their everyday lives. Every piece of printed information and emergency number can be crucial – it can raise awareness, enable help or even save lives.’

The Trade Association is also actively supporting the initiative. Managing Director Rainer Will explains: ‘In times of economic uncertainty in particular, pressure is mounting in many households – and with it, unfortunately, the risk of violence. The receipt initiative creates a direct, uncomplicated link to support services. This enables those affected to take the first step towards safety quickly and anonymously.’

Help is available around the clock

In addition to the police emergency number 133, the women's helpline against violence (0800 222 555) is available 24 hours a day and in eight languages. The Federal Association of Austrian Violence Protection Centres also offers free personal counselling, legal support and assistance in all federal states.