SPAR Austria Joins Campaign to End Violence Against Women
Raising Awareness and Providing Support During 16 Days of Activism
Lower Austria is stepping up its fight against violence against women, joining the international “16 Days against Violence against Women” campaign. This year, the initiative sees a strong partnership with SPAR Lower Austria, who are leveraging their platform to raise awareness and offer crucial support to those affected.
From November 25th to December 10th, SPAR will print emergency helpline numbers on all checkout vouchers issued across Austria. Over a million printed vouchers and digital receipts through the SPAR app will carry this vital information daily, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
“Unfortunately, domestic violence is often treated as a private problem, leading to shame and silence for those impacted,” said Women’s State Councilor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister. “This makes it incredibly difficult for women to seek help. Broadening support networks and raising awareness are essential to empower victims and provide them with the resources they need.”
Teschl-Hofmeister expressed her gratitude to SPAR Lower Austria for their commitment to the cause, stating: “Thank you to SPAR Lower Austria for their dedication to the fight against violence against women.”
SPAR Managing Director Alois Huber emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting individuals and fostering a culture of respect. “Appreciation and respect are fundamental values in our corporate culture. Violence has no place in our society. As an employer, we’re committed to addressing this issue. As a local supplier, we have an opportunity to provide low-threshold information about support services right on our receipts.”
Extensive Support Network Available in Lower Austria
Women in Lower Austria have access to a robust support system dedicated to assisting them through difficult times. Ten women’s advice centers, with ten branch offices, offer counseling and guidance, providing a safe space for individuals facing various life challenges.
Additionally, six women’s shelters stand ready to offer protection and accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence. The Lower Austrian Violence Protection Center provides specialized support, advising on and assisting with restraining orders and expulsions. This multifaceted approach ensures that dringend help is available for women seeking safety and support.
How effective do experts believe displaying helpline numbers on shopping receipts is in reaching and supporting women facing violence?
## Interview: SPAR Austria Takes a Stand Against Violence
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the international “16 Days against Violence against Women” campaign and how one Austrian supermarket chain is stepping up to make a difference. Joining us is [Guest Name], Spokesperson for SPAR Austria. Thank you for being with us.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, SPAR Austria is a major player in the grocery market. Can you tell us about your involvement in this campaign and what led you to participate?
**Guest:** Absolutely. At SPAR, we believe in being an active member of our community. When we learned about the alarming statistics on violence against women, [ [1](https://data.unwomen.org/global-database-on-violence-against-women) ]stating that nearly one in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, we knew we had to do something. Participating in the “16 Days” campaign allows us to use our platform to raise awareness and offer direct support to victims.
**Host:** It’s a powerful message to see those helpline numbers on your receipts. How many people will likely see these messages during the campaign?
**Guest:** We estimate that over a million printed vouchers and digital receipts through our app will carry the helpline information every day during the campaign. This provides a daily reminder that help is available and we hope it encourages those in need to reach out.
**Host:** This is a tangible way to make a difference. Do you have plans for future initiatives to address this issue beyond the 16 days?
**Guest:** [Guest elaborates on potential long-term commitments, partnerships, or employee training programs]
**Host:** It’s great to see such a prominent organization taking a stand against violence against women. Thank you for your time and for SPAR’s commitment to this important cause.
