Vienna City Council Supports Violence Prevention Initiatives

On June 25, 2025, the Vienna City Council approved significant funding for the samara association, an organization dedicated to preventing various forms of violence, including sexual violence. This decision grants the group an annual subsidy of EUR76,735, reinforcing Vienna's commitment to a feminist urban policy that actively addresses and combats violence.

Waltraud Karner-Kremser, a member of the SPÖ party and chair of the city council committee focusing on housing and women's issues, highlighted the importance of proactive violence prevention. She stated that while violence often begins subtly, effective prevention requires a bold and vocal approach. The samara association has been a leading force in this area for over three decades, working with children, adolescents, educators, and professionals to foster safe environments, promote self-determination, and counter patriarchal violence.

samara operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing emotional, physical, sexual, and structural violence. The organization has a long-standing presence in schools, kindergartens, and various educational and youth institutions throughout Vienna. Their efforts include offering workshops, training sessions, and counseling services tailored to a diverse audience, including girls, young women, TIN* (trans, inter, non-binary) individuals, and young men.

The team at samara comprises professionals from multiple fields, including clinical and health psychology, social work, and various educational disciplines. Each year, the organization provides numerous workshops aimed at violence prevention, offers guidance to educators facing complex situations, and develops innovative strategies to address these issues effectively.

Karner-Kremser emphasized the organization's commitment to a feminist and intersectional approach, which is crucial for instigating genuine societal change. She reiterated that the collaborative efforts with samara aim towards creating a violence-free urban environment, characterizing it as a fundamental aspect of social democratic governance--practical, effective, and equitable.

The rising demand for samara's services underscores the critical need for such initiatives within educational institutions and youth centers. The continued support for their extensive workshop and counseling programs in 2025 represents a significant advancement for Vienna, sending a strong message about the importance of safety, visibility, and solidarity in the community.

Vienna's status as one of the most livable cities globally is attributed not only to its infrastructure but also to the collective efforts aimed at fostering a responsible and proactive society. The samara organization stands out as a vital partner in these initiatives, helping to sustain and enhance the city's commitment to violence prevention.