Creating Inclusive Support: NGO Responses to Gender-Based Violence Among Marginalized Communities in Vienna, Austria
Faculty Mentor
Soenke Biermann
Major/Area of Research
Global Studies, Gender Studies
Description
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic that is rooted in gender inequality and perpetuated through cultural norms and patriarchal values. Violence against women is present within every country and culture. In Austria, 20% of women have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence within their lifetime, 15% have experienced stalking and over 100,00 people were registered as victims of human trafficking. Despite the prevalence of this issue, the discussion of GBV is still considered a taboo topic and due to the stigma surrounding it there is a severe underreporting amongst survivors, and the number of incidents of GBV is estimated to be significantly higher. The effects of GBV are even greater for individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. This qualitative case study explores how NGOs in Vienna, Austria address the needs of marginalized people who are experiencing GBV within a cultural and political framework that inadequately supports them. This research was conducted in Vienna, Austria utilizing semi-structured interviews, ethnographic research, field observations and an anonymous survey on Sexual Harassment in Vienna. Through the evaluation of the data collected from the survey responses and interviews, the re- search highlights the patriarchal culture that exists within Vienna, the ways in which violence manifests, and gaps in support marginalized communities face and how specific NGOs bridge those gaps. The survey participants and interviewees overwhelmingly expressed the need for change within the culture, political systems and gave insight into the effects GBV, street harassment and the systems of oppression have had on their mental health, safety and livelihoods.
Creating Inclusive Support: NGO Responses to Gender-Based Violence Among Marginalized Communities in Vienna, Austria
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic that is rooted in gender inequality and perpetuated through cultural norms and patriarchal values. Violence against women is present within every country and culture. In Austria, 20% of women have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence within their lifetime, 15% have experienced stalking and over 100,00 people were registered as victims of human trafficking. Despite the prevalence of this issue, the discussion of GBV is still considered a taboo topic and due to the stigma surrounding it there is a severe underreporting amongst survivors, and the number of incidents of GBV is estimated to be significantly higher. The effects of GBV are even greater for individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. This qualitative case study explores how NGOs in Vienna, Austria address the needs of marginalized people who are experiencing GBV within a cultural and political framework that inadequately supports them. This research was conducted in Vienna, Austria utilizing semi-structured interviews, ethnographic research, field observations and an anonymous survey on Sexual Harassment in Vienna. Through the evaluation of the data collected from the survey responses and interviews, the re- search highlights the patriarchal culture that exists within Vienna, the ways in which violence manifests, and gaps in support marginalized communities face and how specific NGOs bridge those gaps. The survey participants and interviewees overwhelmingly expressed the need for change within the culture, political systems and gave insight into the effects GBV, street harassment and the systems of oppression have had on their mental health, safety and livelihoods.