Today, Johannes Rauch, Federal Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, representing Alma Zadic, Federal Minister of Justice, Markus Müller, Rector of MedUni Vienna, and Nikolaus Klupp, Head of the Investigation Center, and his team opened the Investigation Center for Victims of Violence at the Medical University of Vienna. Following the establishment of the violence outpatient clinic in Graz, this project represents a further significant step towards the nationwide establishment and expansion of violence outpatient clinics throughout Austria. The aim is to create low-threshold contact points for victims of violence throughout the country, where they can be examined free of charge in a safe environment, evidence can be secured and injuries can be documented in a court of law.
MedUni Vienna’s Examination Center for Victims of Violence offers free clinical forensic examinations according to the latest forensic medical standards to victims of violence of all’ages and genders. The service is available regardless of whether a report has already been made or an e-card has been issued. The examination center is intended to play a central role in identifying acts of violence and investigating violent incidents. At the same time, it contributes to the protection of those affected and can prevent potential further assaults.
In addition to documenting injuries and securing traces on the body and clothing, victims receive comprehensive information on further support services, such as referrals to victim support and protection services, psychological support or legal advice. Doctors can also call for specialist advice on clinical forensic issues. In cases where no charges are filed, the data collected and evidence obtained is stored for up to ten years so that it can be used in criminal proceedings at a later date if necessary.
Federal Minister Johannes Rauch: "Everyone has the right to a life free of violence. In addition to prevention and awareness-raising, we must ensure that victims of violence receive the best possible support. The nationwide establishment and expansion of violence outpatient clinics is an important instrument for this, and the federal government has made 4.6 million euros available for this purpose. Victims can be examined free of charge in a protected setting and have their injuries documented so that they are available as evidence for possible subsequent proceedings. The trained staff also offer patients affected by violence information on further support options. This path we have taken must be continued under a new federal government."
Rector Markus Müller: "With the expertise of its Center for Forensic Medicine, the Medical University of Vienna makes a significant contribution to the work of this institution. The focus of the investigation center is the comprehensive care of victims of violence and the scientific investigation of violent phenomena. This enables not only a targeted improvement in care, but also greater awareness of the concerns of victims of violence within the medical profession. MedUni Vienna is thus pursuing the goal of ensuring holistic support for those affected and further expanding its leading role in this important area of research and care."
Nikolaus Klupp, Head of the Center for Forensic Medicine and the Examination Center for Victims of Violence: "The Examination Center plays a central role in supporting victims of violence and offers everyone access to its services free of charge and without barriers. Thanks to the new premises and the funding from the federal government, it is now possible to expand in terms of time, region and technology. This creates the basis for reaching even more victims in the future and offering them clinical forensic documentation and evidence recovery that can be used in court. At the same time, we can increasingly train various professional groups to recognize signs of violence. Violence affects us all - only through openness, education and joint action can we help those affected and take preventative action against violence as a society."
Availability and contact Investigation center for victims of violence
Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 16:00
Friday 16.00 to Monday 08.00
and on public holidays
1 40160 35700
Website: meduniwien.ac.at/ugb
