Life in the "frauenhaus" (Women's Shelter) in Austria

To state that the Frauenhaus was a great help, is an understatement. Right at the entrance the feeling of security is assured. On ringing the doorbell and giving your name, you must look into a security camera to prove your identity. Once you go through the first door, there is a second door through which you can go through after a second security check. Th i is helpful in keeping out vindictive fathers who I was told had tried to exact revenge in the past.

Once inside you are welcomed into a wonderful apartment block, much like any other in Austria.

I got a 45sqm apartment to myself, a kitchen that was constantly stocked with healthy fresh food,  diapers, clothes for the child (and for myself if I had wanted) and finally PEACE! This feeling can only be well understood by a person who has had the misfortune of experiencing how suffocating a bad marriage can be. 

At the frauenhaus I also had a dedicated social worker, a wonderful lady called Elizabeth, and we had an in-house psychologist who would help deal with the stress we had gone through. 

In addition to all this we had evening  activities that brought the mother's and children together, things that might sound trivial, but for many in our situation brought about the relief of not being totally alone in your situation.

The Frauenhaus was a wonderfully positive experience for me and I would advice any woman going through a tough time not to hesitate to seek this refuge.