site.btaMen's Demonstration Against Violence Against Women Held in Vienna

Hundreds of men gathered in front of the parliament building in Vienna on the eve of International Women's Day to voice opposition to violence against women. With their demonstration, they spoke out against both physical and psychological violence, which affects one in three women.

Under the slogan "Never Use Violence Against Women", participants said that violence against women is a problem men themselves must address.

Entrepreneur Manfred Zeisberger, who was a victim of violence as a child, called for greater solidarity. "I would like us to send a signal to the National Council [Nationalrat] of Austria. I ask for action and engagement. I advocate destigmatizing therapy and making it accessible," he said.

Experts from men's counselling services and the Neustart association also addressed the participants. They agreed that much remains to be done, particularly in raising public awareness.

Zeisberger also called for the establishment of an emergency helpline for men. "A man should know by heart a three- or four-digit phone number he can call when he feels he might lose control," he said.