Austria Faces Rising Tide of Digital Violence and Cyberbullying by Partners

Digital violence and cyberbullying by partners are on the rise in Austria, with support centres like the Burgenländisches Gewaltschutzzentrum reporting more cases. While exact figures for women seeking help in 2023 or 2024 remain undisclosed, the issue is gaining attention. Meanwhile, men's counselling services, such as those led by veteran expert Christian Scambor, are also expanding to address the root causes of such behaviour. Thirty years ago, Christian Scambor co-founded a men's counselling service in Graz. Today, his organisation supports around 2,000 men annually across Styria and Burgenland. His work focuses on helping perpetrators manage anger and break cycles of violence.

Scambor argues that traditional male ideals—power, dominance, and a tolerance for aggression—still shape behaviour. Mental health patterns reflect this, as men are statistically more likely to exert control or violence. Yet he notes a shift: society is becoming more aware of men's violence against women, even in less visible forms like digital abuse. Victims of cyberviolence often experience deep helplessness, struggling to navigate legal protections. While exact numbers of women seeking counselling for such cases remain unpublished, support centres confirm the trend is growing. Scambor's projects, spanning national and EU levels, also push for broader change through gender mainstreaming and men's studies.

The rise in digital abuse highlights the need for both victim support and perpetrator intervention. Counselling services for men, like those run by Scambor, aim to reshape harmful behaviours before they escalate. As awareness grows, so does the demand for legal and psychological resources to address the issue.