Victims of Violence in Vienna: New Clinic Secures Evidence Without Filing a Report

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office is strongly advocating for the so-called violence clinic at MedUni Vienna, which began operations in early January at the Center for Forensic Medicine. The examination center for victims of violence has already been utilized several times by prosecutors, emphasizes authority head Michaela Obenaus: "It is on its way to becoming indispensable for prosecutorial work."

At the Vienna prosecution office, a special group of 13 specialized prosecutors is responsible for cases of violence in the social environment and offenses against sexual integrity and self-determination. For the head of the authority, these are "extremely sensitive investigations that must be conducted very carefully." Ongoing training and good networking with the Vienna State Police Directorate, victim protection organizations, and the Neustart association are important aspects, and they are always in close coordination with these partner institutions - for example, in the area of risk analysis.

Violence Clinic in Vienna Enables Evidence Preservation Before Filing a Report

With the establishment of the violence clinic, something decisive has happened for victims of violence, according to Obenaus: On the one hand, it is open to victims who have not yet decided to file a report but want to secure evidence for a possible future criminal proceeding. On the other hand, victims can be directly referred to the examination center by the police or the public prosecutor's office when filing a report. There, both fresh and older injuries are documented in a "court-proof" manner.

In terms of a forensic approach, a "head-to-toe" examination is carried out, and any older existing injuries are also addressed. "This is the crucial difference from injury documentation in 'normal' hospital clinics or doctor's offices, where understandably the curative approach must be the focus," reveals Obenaus. The public prosecutor's office has often only received inaccurately labeled photos of an injury or incomplete medical histories from there.

Prosecutor's Office Desires Rapid Expansion of the Clinic in Vienna

Now, the prosecution office directly obtains the necessary targeted documents for an investigation procedure from the new examination center. "This provides a solid basis for expert evidence in criminal proceedings," notes Obenaus. She therefore recommends victims who are in a violent relationship and do not or cannot yet go to the police to "use the new examination center and contact the violence protection center or another counseling center." If necessary, injuries should at least be photographed with a mobile phone.

In the interest of victims of violence, Obenaus urgently appeals to equip the new examination center with the necessary financial resources. The public prosecutor's office wishes for "a rapid expansion with additional forensic experts and a 24/7 service."

(APA/Red)

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