35 Years Against Violence

Today’s non-profit association Wider die Gewalt was founded in May 1990 by then-Federal Chancellor Dr. Franz Vranitzky. In a speech, he stated at the time that violence within the family is not a trivial offense. It was by no means foreseeable then that this first awareness event in September 1990 at the Theater an der Wien would gain a lasting impact unparalleled in the history of charities in Austria.

In its 36th year, the non-profit association Wider die Gewalt continues its successful work thanks to the generous support of sponsors and artists. The net proceeds from all events fund social institutions that protect those affected by violence. Over its years of activity, total net proceeds of more than €3.5 million were achieved — funds that have since helped more than 250 organizations and associations to survive.

To this day, more than 500 artists have donated their time and talent free of charge. The net proceeds from the annual gala and other events fund projects of associations that apply during the year and are selected by the association’s board.

Since October 2020, Dr. Kurt Gollowitzer (Wien Holding) has chaired the association.

It is a widely covered event at which over the past 36 years national and international artists have performed without fee, including Melanie C, Paul Potts, OPUS, Conchita, Wolfgang Ambros, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, Adel Tawil, Jeanette Biedermann, André Heller, Semino Rossi, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Christiane Hörbiger, DJ Ötzi, Rainhard Fendrich, Der Graf von Unheilig, Albert Hammond, Udo Jürgens, Roland Kaiser, Karl Markovics, Christina Stürmer, Bonnie Tyler, Xavier Naidoo and many more.