A secret address to escape domestic violence

In Zurich a safe house located at a secret address offers refuge and reintegrates girls who are victim of domestic violence. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

It’s been 20 years since the safe house for girls first opened its doors in Zurich. Here girls victims of domestic violence between 14 to 20 years of age find shelter and  protection from possible retaliation from their families. 

The groundwork for establishing the girl’s house was established by research conducted in 1991 by two female students of the School of Social Work of Zurich. The results showed that there was an urgent need for an institution offering women who are victims of domestic violence shelter and in particular catering for the needs of minors.

Thanks to the determination of the two students the girls’ safe house was established in December 1994. 

Since then, girls who are victims of domestic violence have found a place where they are out of reach of their families. The girls can keep up with their schooling or their apprenticeships and start the process of building a better future for themselves.