Children below the age of 14 are not criminally responsible in Austria. They are considered incapable of understanding what constitutes a violation and acting accordingly; therefore, they cannot be prosecuted under criminal law. Child and Youth Welfare Services can merely initiate educational measures. However, according to Austrian police statistics, the number of suspects under the age of 14 has almost doubled between 2020 and 2024 – with an increase in cases of serious violent crime. This contrasts with the declining number of actual convictions in the nearest age group of 14- to 17-year-olds. Current court cases that have attracted widespread public attention highlight the urgency of the issue.

Recently, there have been calls to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years. At the same time, an alternative is coming into focus: placing children who display disruptive behaviours in closed socio-educational institutions – as a measure outside the criminal justice system. How should the state and society deal with so-called ‘system crashers’? The term refers to children for whom support measures from parents, educators or social workers do not lead to a change in behaviour. Which resources and measures are needed to educate such ‘unleashed’ children so that they may become responsible and law-abiding members of society? Is lowering the age of criminal responsibility a last resort, or would placement in closed institutions be a viable option? What are the alternatives? A high-profile panel will discuss appropriate responses to these challenges.

Welcome Notes                                                                                                 

• Monika HODOSCHEK, Director, Vienna Business School Hamerlingplatz
• Sebastian ÖHNER, Children’s and Youth Ombudsman, City of Vienna; Board Member, Austrian League for Human Rights

Panel Discussion                                                                                            

• Walter DILLINGER, Project Manager, Vienna Provincial Police Directorate
• Josef HIEBL, Deputy Head, Child and Youth Welfare Service (MA11), City of Vienna
• Sigrun ROẞMANITH, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist and Neurologist; Court-Appointed Expert
• Helmut SAX, Senior Researcher, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights

Audience Discussion                                                                                                                                    

Chair

• Patricia MUSSI-MAILER, Administrative Director, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights

Followed by: Reception

Participation is free of charge. Due to limited space, we kindly request that you register by Thursday, 20 November 2025 at HUMAN RIGHTS TALK: ‘System Crashers’ – How to deal with children who are offenders but below the age of criminal responsibility? Our event venue is wheelchair accessible.