27-year-old arrested in Vienna-Favoriten after violence against pregnant partner

Investigations and Arrest

According to current findings, the act of violence allegedly occurred because the 23-year-old is pregnant by another man. As the investigations revealed, the couple's relationship was reportedly in a crisis situation when the woman apparently revealed the pregnancy.

Police described the course of the attack as follows: The 27-year-old allegedly beat his partner, kicked her, and threatened her with a knife in their shared apartment. The woman was reportedly able to make contact with neighbors at an opportune moment, after which they heard her desperate screams and raised the alarm by calling emergency services.

Support Services for Those Affected

When the emergency forces arrived, the suspect initially attempted to hide. "The suspect hid from the police in the toilet, but was found," according to the police account. The arrest was carried out in the apartment by officers from the Keplerstraße police inspection.

The arrested individual is a 27-year-old Tunisian national. According to police, he is back in custody. The investigations are ongoing, and the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office has been involved. A barring and approach prohibition as well as a provisional weapons prohibition have been issued against the man.

Police pointed to several support services for those affected by domestic violence in their statement. The police emergency number is available at any time at 133. The women's helpline can be reached at 0800 222 555, the Violence Protection Centre at 0800 700 217, and the Victim Emergency Number at 0800 112 112.

Domestic Violence and Pregnancy

In addition, the criminal prevention unit of the Vienna State Office of Criminal Investigation offers personal consultations via the hotline 0800 216346. The victim protection organization Weisser Ring can be reached at 050 50 16. Police emphasize that those affected in acute situations can contact the emergency forces at any time.

The case is part of a series of incidents of domestic violence that have recently attracted attention in Vienna. Specialized agencies point out that pregnancy and the imminent birth of a child can carry an increased risk for women of becoming victims of violence in their partnership.

In the police press release, the suspect is referred to as an "ex-con": "The ex-con is (once again) in custody." This alludes to a previous prison sentence served by the man. Police provided no more precise information about prior convictions or the background of the earlier imprisonment.

Legal Consequences

The incident occurred on Wednesday at midday, with the police statement published on Thursday. As of Thursday evening, the condition of the woman and the unborn child was not publicly known. The authorities promised medical and psychological support.

The Keplerstraße police inspection has opened investigations on suspicion of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, and dangerous threats. A spokesperson for the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed receipt of the file.

With the issued barring and approach prohibition, the man is no longer permitted to approach the apartment or the woman's nearby surroundings. The provisional weapons prohibition forbids him from possessing and accessing weapons. Violations of these orders are punishable.

Police Recommendations

In such cases, victim protection organizations advise having injuries documented medically as evidence and contacting counseling centers early. Trusted persons or neighbors can also be important points of contact, as the current case has shown.

The Vienna police announced that they would continue the investigations consistently. The protection of women and children was taken very seriously, it was said. Information from the public would be accepted confidentially at any time.

Finally, the authorities pointed to the possibility of contacting the named hotlines anonymously. Anyone who is not directly affected but has a suspicion can also contact the police or the Violence Protection Centre at any time.