Rotraud Perner in Conversation

Rotraud A. Perner (born 18 August 1944 in Orth an der Donau) is an Austrian lawyer, psychotherapist, Protestant theologian, and publicist.

• Recognition: She became widely known to the public in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily through radio and television (including the Ö3-Sexhotline), as a pioneer for open sex education and the breaking down of taboos.
• Focus: Her work focuses on violence prevention, victim protection, and women’s rights. She was instrumental in reforms for protection against domestic and sexual violence in Austria.
• Impact: As a lecturer and author of numerous guides and specialist works, she shaped approaches in mediation, stress prevention, and salutogenesis (health promotion).

She is considered one of Austria’s most prominent socio-political voices for self-determination, civil courage, and non-violent coexistence.

Here, she will talk about her latest initiative “From Angry Citizen to Peace Agent” and read passages from her book “Peace Competence“.
A differing viewpoint, a divergent decision, or a sentence that is misunderstood – and people immediately switch to “combat frequency”: in terms of content, voice, and sometimes even physically. Yet, often there is no actual threat. In response to this professional and general observation, Rotraud Perner is launching new initiatives for peace prevention through her peace agency.

Hate makes you ill – peace can be learned
Violence prevention is not enough! We need peace prevention!
Peace is not a state, it is a competence

Parallel to the new peace agency, Rotraud Perner and her son Roman Perner are publishing their latest specialist publication “Peace Competence”. The book forms the substantive basis for their concern for stronger peace prevention. It deals with the question of how cooperation can arise from hate and confrontation, and at the same time sees itself as a contribution to resilience and salutogenesis. The central message is: “If you want peace, you must know how to create peace.” The ability to make peace should not be understood as an abstract ideal, but as a competence that people can develop, train, and use in everyday life.

In cooperation with KulturON.at.

Hard facts
What: Rotraud Perner – Peace Competence
When: Friday, 13 November 2026
Entry: from 7:00 PM
Start: 7:30 PM
Where: Das Herzstück vom Petznek, Bruck/Leitha
Admission: free (donation)

There are 35 seats – 18 with a table, 17 without a table – free seating subject to availability. By purchasing a ticket, a seat is guaranteed.

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