Swiss authorities step up efforts to combat domestic violence
Following reports of alarming rates of intimate-partner violence, the federal government has announced it is boosting support for awareness campaigns and prevention projects in the country.
On Wednesday, the Federal Council (executive body) adopted a legal orderExternal link to combat violence against women and domestic violence, along with earmarked funding of CHF3 million ($3.03 million). This in effect creates the legal basis for the government to implement its own programmes or provide grants to external organisations.
The funds are expected to support awareness-raising campaigns, training for specialists and programmes for victims or those at risk of violence.
The legal order will come into force in January 2020, but the money will not flow into programmes until the order is approved by parliament as part of the 2021 budget cycle.
Domestic violence remains widespread in Switzerland. In 2018, Switzerland recorded 18,522 cases of intimate-partner violence. Twenty-seven people died as a result of domestic violence, among them 24 women. The number of women that have died from domestic violence is higher in Switzerland than in most European countries.
Switzerland signed the Istanbul Convention to combat violence against women, which came into force in 2018, and has been taking various steps to strengthen laws and practices on the subject. In July the government announcedExternal link measures to better protect victims of domestic violence and stalking.
Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
This content was published on
The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.
University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.
Ukraine peace conference should include Russia, says Chinese ambassador
This content was published on
China supports a peace conference on the Ukraine war that would see equal participation of all parties, says Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss citizens have open attitudes towards various infertility treatments, including even egg donation, which is currently prohibited.
Reports of Swiss cyber fraud almost doubled in six months
This content was published on
The head of the new Federal Office for Cybersecurity (FOC), Florian Schütz, has presented a new strategy after just over four months in office.
Ecological status of Swiss streams insufficient according to study
This content was published on
Pesticide use and obstructions of waterways have a particularly negative impact on sensitive organisms, completely absent in 70% of streams analysed.
Train line between Brig and Domodossola interrupted
This content was published on
One day after a derailment approximately 15 kilometres from the Swiss border, BLS is running buses for passengers between Preglia and Domodossola, in Italy.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland: higher rate of domestic violence deaths
This content was published on
The number of women dying as a result of domestic violence is higher in Switzerland than in many other European countries, says Le Matin Dimanche.
Shelters for victims of domestic violence struggle with capacity issues
This content was published on
Switzerland's 19 women's shelters had to turn away nearly 500 requests last year due to the lack of space, a Swiss newspaper has reported.
This content was published on
Election results show slow-but-steady progress on women's equality, but the pace of change must increase because women are needed in the workforce.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.