16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence – Human trafficking must be made visible
End violence! Every year, the international campaign ‘16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence’ draws attention to the omnipresent problem of violence. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations once again published shocking figures: more than 80,000 women were victims of femicide last year – most of them within their partnerships. According to estimates, approximately every ten minutes, a woman or girl is killed within her family or relationship worldwide.
The campaign is also being supported with great commitment in Austria. Experts, human rights organisations – even Wiener Linien – are participating. Because only together can we stop violence against women! The flash mob in front of the Human Rights Square sent a strong message even before the official start of the campaign: over 40 participants made it clear that violence is not always visible, but often accompanies those affected for the rest of their lives.
Organised by the ‘Stop Sex Buying’ initiative, the flash mob made it clear that violence against women is not a marginal phenomenon, but a sad reality. Loud, public and unmissable, it sent a powerful message of solidarity – a clear signal that violence against women belongs at the centre of our social discourse.
Here is a recent blog post on the subject.
At HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, we work every day to finally end this spiral of violence against women, which is why our chairwoman Andrea Staudenherz was invited to the Austrian Parliament.
Focus on human trafficking: event in Parliament
On the evening of November 26th 2025, the event ‘The Reality of Human Trafficking’ took place in Parliament.
Human trafficking is one of the most serious violations of human rights worldwide. New perpetrator structures, diverse forms of exploitation and the need for comprehensive support make combating this hidden crime an enormous challenge. The aim of the event was to highlight current developments, raise awareness and discuss concrete solutions together.
The speakers
Silke Albert – Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer at the United Nations – presented the international situation and current trends in human trafficking.
Laurent Ziegler – a victim of abuse and now an internationally active artist and author – gave personal insights into his experiences and his artistic exploration of dignity, freedom and vulnerability.
Andrea Staudenherz – our chairwoman and founder of HOPE FOR THE FUTURE – supports victims in leaving human trafficking and prostitution and entering a self-determined working life. Andrea is particularly committed to the Nordic model: it decriminalises victims, criminalises sex buyers and operators, and finances exit programmes for prostitutes.
Why we participated
This event offered a rare opportunity to hear from experts and victims in the Austrian Parliament about the challenges posed by human trafficking today. It raises awareness, informs and shows how social engagement, political measures and concrete offers of help can work together to combat violence and exploitation. Speaking in the Austrian Parliament creates a space of opportunity: the atmosphere, the building, the presence of Austrian history and the circle of people that can be reached have an impact. Even if nothing changes today, the demands and ideas will seep in. They seep in and manifest themselves, and that is exactly what we need for the common fight against violence!
Our chairwoman Andrea Staudenherz clearly explained how victims of human trafficking often face major bureaucratic hurdles in addition to psychological and physical stress: Residence under Section 57 is extremely problematic when victims have testified as witnesses in human trafficking proceedings. Although the AMS has no right of review in this case and must issue a work permit, the company that wishes to employ the person must still apply for a work permit. This process presents an unnecessary hurdle that makes it difficult to enter the labour market. Many employers do not want to wait weeks for a permit, which reduces the chances of employment.
Even if an affected person finds a job, the extension of their residence permit in the second year is conditional on the criminal or civil proceedings still being ongoing. After two years, a Red-White-Red Card can then be applied for. If the proceedings are no longer ongoing, those affected often fall “through the cracks” again and are left without protection or prospects.
In addition, many victims are unable to work full-time immediately due to trauma or health problems. Until now, marginal employment has given EU citizens access to medical care and financial security through minimum income support. It is to be hoped that these options will continue to exist despite the legal changes from 2026 onwards, in order to support victims in the first phase of their reintegration.
Insights
Silke Albert spoke about new forms of exploitation. Telephone and online fraud was particularly interesting. Behind this, too, are huge organisations that exploit people to carry out these fraudulent activities. She also mentioned the high number of unreported cases of exploited people and victims of human trafficking that we will never know about. It is also important to understand that many countries around the world have no interest in keeping “real” records; instead, they gloss over the numbers of those affected.
Laurent Ziegler became very personal and took the audience on his journey. He gave insights into how the abuse he experienced continues to affect his life today, without portraying himself as a victim. It was clear that he is a strong person who has been through a lot and whose life has been shaped by it – he processes this artistically and shakes people up with it.
Conclusion
The 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence and accompanying actions such as the flash mob clearly show that violence against women is not an isolated case, but a social problem. Violence, exploitation and human trafficking are very complex and intertwined issues, and explaining them requires a lot of time and patience. Only through joint action, awareness and solidarity can these issues be brought to light and combated. Laurent Ziegler made it clear: those affected are not victims, they are human beings!
Translated by Anna Smith
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