Austria's men march against violence in historic Vienna protest

Austria continues to face a persistent issue with male violence against women, despite growing public concern. On March 7, 2026, Vienna hosted its first-ever demonstration led by men protesting against such violence. The event highlighted a shift in awareness, as experts warn that deeply ingrained gender roles still fuel aggression and control. Christian Scambor, a long-time researcher in men's studies, has spent decades analysing the roots of male violence. Thirty years ago, he co-founded a men's counselling service in Graz, which now supports around 2,000 men annually in Styria and Burgenland alone. His work extends to national and EU-wide projects on gender mainstreaming and men's studies.

Scambor argues that many perpetrators are fully aware of their actions yet see violence as normalised behaviour. Traditional masculinity—marked by dominance, power, and an affinity for aggression—remains deeply entrenched. Mental health issues also play a role, with men more prone to expressing distress through control or violence rather than emotional openness. One major shift in recent years is the migration of male violence into online spaces. Counsellors report that many perpetrators struggle with emotional regulation, often defaulting to anger when faced with conflict. Despite these challenges, public mobilisation, like the Vienna demonstration, signals a growing rejection of such behaviour. The problem extends beyond individual cases. Austria's femicide rate has stayed alarmingly high, reflecting a broader pattern of systemic violence. Decades ago, writer Marguerite Duras observed, *'You have to love men very much to be able to love them at all,'*—a sentiment that still resonates as society grapples with these deep-seated issues.

The demonstration in Vienna marks a turning point in how male violence is addressed in Austria. Counselling services and research led by figures like Scambor provide critical support, but systemic change requires dismantling outdated gender norms. Without broader cultural shifts, the cycle of violence—both offline and online—is likely to persist.