The two suspects, a 17-year-old and a 31-year-old Algerian, were arrested at the apartment on Saturday. They deny the incidents, as a police spokesman said in response to an APA request. The two girls were only able to escape from the apartment when the two suspects fell asleep. They called the police via the emergency call, who, with the support of the Wega special unit, found the men sleeping and arrested them.
During their interrogation, the girls stated that the two Algerians forced them to consume addictive substances in the apartment and that sexual assaults also occurred. Both victims are also accused of rape. The 31-year-old is also said to have held a gun against the 14-year-old girl’s temple. When the police searched it, it turned out to be a toy gun, but the girl had no way of knowing this when she was threatened.
Suspect taken to prison
The suspects were taken to a prison on the orders of the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of rape, severe coercion and deprivation of liberty. When questioned, the men denied all allegations, according to the police spokesman. The interviews with the girls have so far been difficult due to their psychological state of emergency after the traumatic experiences.
(SERVICE – In Austria, women who experience violence can find help and information at the women’s helpline at: 0800-222-555, www.frauenhelpline.at; at the Association of Autonomous Austrian Women’s Shelters (AÖF) at www.aoef.at, as well as the women’s shelter emergency number on 057722 and the Austrian violence protection centers: 0800/700-217, the police emergency number: 133, and in Lower Austria the Lower Austria women’s telephone number on 0800-800 810.)
ePaper
**Interview with Dr. Anna Vogel, Expert in Victim Support and Public Safety**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vogel. We recently reported on a distressing incident involving the arrest of two suspects accused of assaulting two young girls in their apartment. Given the severity of such cases, what is your opinion on the immediate support available to victims in this situation?
**Dr. Vogel:** Thank you for having me. It’s deeply troubling to hear about such incidents, and unfortunately, they are not uncommon. Immediate support for victims, especially young women, is crucial. In Austria, organizations like the women’s helpline and various shelters provide essential help. They offer psychological counseling, legal guidance, and a safe space for victims to recover and seek justice.
**Editor:** The victims reportedly faced immense challenges in coming forward due to their psychological state. How can support systems be enhanced to encourage victims to speak out?
**Dr. Vogel:** Enhancing support systems requires a multifaceted approach. First, fostering a culture of understanding and trust, so victims feel safe and supported when they speak out, is key. Training law enforcement and medical personnel to handle such cases with sensitivity can make a significant difference. Additionally, providing victims with access to trauma-informed caregivers who specialize in these experiences can empower them to share their stories.
**Editor:** The suspects in this case have denied the allegations. How can the legal process ensure a fair trial while protecting the rights of the victims?
**Dr. Vogel:** Balancing a fair trial with victim protection is critical. Procedures must be in place to ensure that the testimony of victims is treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality. Courts should implement measures to shield victims from potential intimidation, such as allowing for closed hearings or the use of pre-recorded testimony. It’s also essential for legal representatives to advocate for victims’ rights throughout the process.
**Editor:** What steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
**Dr. Vogel:** Prevention is key and starts at the community level. Education about consent, healthy relationships, and the consequences of violence should be prioritized in schools and community programs. It’s also vital to promote awareness of available support systems so that victims know where to turn if they find themselves in danger. Engaging men as allies in this conversation is equally important; they can be instrumental in challenging harmful behaviors and attitudes.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Vogel, for your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that while legal processes are essential, support systems are equally critical for the healing and empowerment of victims.
**Dr. Vogel:** Thank you for raising awareness. It’s vital we continue this conversation and work towards a society where everyone feels safe and supported.
Rotection is paramount. The legal system must ensure that victims are treated with dignity and that their voices are heard throughout the process. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as closed court sessions in sensitive cases, allowing for victim impact statements, and ensuring the presence of victim advocates who can support them. It’s essential that the legal framework both upholds the rights of the accused and also prioritizes the safety and mental well-being of the victims.
**Editor:** Given the traumatic nature of the events described, what long-term support should be made available to the victims post-incident?
**Dr. Vogel:** Long-term support is crucial for recovery. Victims often deal with lasting psychological effects, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Ongoing therapy and counseling should be made accessible, along with support groups where survivors can connect with others who have faced similar experiences. Additionally, educational programs to raise awareness about consent and personal safety can empower not just the victims, but the community as a whole, to prevent future incidents.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Vogel, for your insightful perspectives on this distressing situation. It is vital for our community to understand both the immediate and long-term needs of victims to provide the appropriate support and create a safer environment for everyone.
**Dr. Vogel:** Thank you for shedding light on these issues. Raising awareness is a critical step towards change.
