It was a nice celebration, there was a lot of fun, some alcohol, new acquaintances. Time passed and it got late...and now it's time to go home. Maybe by bus and train? Partly on foot, through poorly lit alleys and alone?
Not only, but especially for women, such a journey home can be associated with worries and fears, unfortunately not unfounded. Contrary to popular belief, times are probably no worse than they used to be; there was enough cause for concern in the past, it's just that not everything was known.
The idea of the home phone originally came about in Sweden. A telephone number that can be reached at night, especially in the dark hours on weekends, and offers someone to talk to on the way home.
However, the idea apparently did not become known beyond the Swedish border for a long time. That changed thanks to two young women from Berlin. The Swedish example received a positive response from them, but they quickly realized that there was nothing comparable in Germany.
So they took action themselves. Over time, a small initiative on a voluntary basis grew into an organization that was no longer easy to manage alongside one's main job.
Of course, such a hotline can only function effectively if it can be reached regularly. Reliable “personnel” are needed who also have the suitability and motivation. Trustworthiness, empathy and seriousness are certainly basic requirements for a job in which you are supposed to allay other people's fears and convey security.
Organizing (volunteer) employees, technical resources, clarifying legal issues and public relations are a challenge for start-ups with clear goals and a business plan, but in an initiative that comes about by chance they can quickly lead to a premature end.
But the Berlin home phone has regrouped and made another attempt.
What began in the Scandinavian north found its way via Berlin and Germany to Graz in Austria. A home way phone was also launched there in November. The difference: In Graz, the public sector took action, because the Graz telephone way home is organized by the police.
The basic principle is the same and the government has obviously recognized the sense and need.
But there may be some who doubt the sense and need, as is often the case with all new ideas.
So here's a very specific question: Does this actually achieve anything?
First of all, it will be clear to everyone that a robbery that WANTS to be carried out decisively cannot be prevented even by a telephone conversation.
But what is also a very concrete advantage in this case: the police can be contacted immediately and help can be requested as quickly as possible.
Part of making the call home involves repeatedly giving location information. The employee on the other end of the line can react immediately and that alone can, in the best case scenario, prevent the worst, or at least make prosecution easier.
Last but not least, the telephone call gives the caller a greater feeling of security. Self-confidence is strengthened and this alone creates a completely different external appearance. Any psychologist will confirm that this is an effect that should not be underestimated.
Conclusion: the home phone is a great thing for anyone who wants to use it... and a successful example of how good ideas can set a precedent...
Thu 20 - 24h
Fri + Sat 22pm - 4am
030 – 120 74 182 (usual Ttelephone charges)
Graz home way phone:
Fri, Sat and before public holidays 23pm – 3am
0316/872-2277