Euro 2008 without fear

UEFA EURO 2008™ is meant to be a memorable celebration enjoyed equally by men and women. As violence tends to be more prevalent at major events of this type, Sandra Frauenberger, Executive City Councillor for Women’s Issues, has put together a security package for women.

A British study of 56 police command units during the 2006 World Cup in Germany revealed a clear correlation between major sporting events, alcohol consumption and increased domestic violence. The reasons for this increase during an event like Euro 2008 can be anything from frustration at unfulfilled expectations to elevated alcohol consumption. To ensure that this football fest runs smoothly, City Councillor Frauenberger is focusing particularly on the security of women and their protection from violence. During Euro 2008 some 40 per cent of the people in the Fan Zone and public viewing areas will be women and a further 30 per cent will be watching the games in the stadium.

Security measures during Euro 2008

At Frauenberger’s initiative, particular attention was paid when planning UEFA EURO 2008™ to areas that could be critical for women. Bushes have been cut back and additional lighting has been installed in the paths around the stadium and in the Fan Zone so as to increase visibility. A security package has been put together by the Department for Women’s Affairs of the City of Vienna and the City Councillor to make local inhabitants and visitors more aware of their own safety needs. The whistles issued by the 24-hour emergency hotline for women and safety tips designed specially for women clearly signal the intention: “The individual space of every woman must still be respected during UEFA EURO 2008™.”

24-hour call

The City of Vienna is well prepared for acts of violence and offers victims round-the-clock attention. The staff of the 24-hour emergency hotline – telephone number 71719 – not only counsels women after an act of violence but also helps them report the incident to the police and will accompany them to the hospital for medical aid and the taking of evidence. All leave has been cancelled and the hotlines will have additional staff on match days in Vienna and at weekends to ensure that the service is available without interruption throughout the competition. The 24-hour hotline is linked to various institutions and advice centres such as the Vienna women’s hostels, the police, hospitals and women’s counselling centres so as to provide all possible assistance for the victims.

Recalling Alice Schwarzer’s famous quote “women are no longer satisfied with half of heaven, they want half of the earth as well,” City Councillor Frauenberger is demanding half of the football field. No woman should feel constricted or badly treated during Euro 2008 in Vienna.