Background of the initiative
With the entry into force of ILO Convention No. 190 in Austria in November 2025, members of the Betriebsrat for general staff came up with the idea of mobilizing LUIS*A on the University of Graz campus to combat domestic violence. Modeled after the ÖGB’s “Wege aus der Gewalt” (Ways Out of Violence) project, the campaign “United against domestic violence. LUIS*A informs and supports” aims to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and its potential impact on the workplace, and to provide early, low-threshold support services at the university for those affected.
This also complies with Article 10 of the Convention, which obligates employers to take measures against violence and harassment in the workplace. The University of Graz aims to position itself as a safe place where help is accessible confidentially, quickly, and easily, where referral to professional support services is possible, and where social responsibility is clearly demonstrated.
The initiative is kindly supported by the Rector’s Office and the following partners: Betriebsrat for general staff, Betriebsrat for academic staff, Prevention and safety and the Personalressort (Human Resources Department).
Facts about domestic violence
- One in six women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in the home, and one in three women has experienced psychological violence. Men can also be affected. Source: Statistik Austria 2022, ETUC 2024.
- On average, 40 restraining orders are issued daily in Austria. Source: Bundesministerium für Inneres 2023.
- Although domestic violence occurs in the private sphere, it can also have a negative impact on work, for example through reduced work performance or increased absenteeism. Source: ETUC 2024; Pillinger 2017.