Petition calls for all non-consensual sexual acts to be punished
Thirty non-governmental organisations, including Amnesty International, have filed a petition with Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, urging her to reform Swiss law to ensure that all non-consensual sexual acts are punishable.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Campaigners officially handed over a petition External linkin Bern on Thursday entitled “Justice for people who have been subject to sexual violence”. It had been signed by 35,000 people. Some activists carried banners with slogans such as “Sex without consent is rape” and “Only yes means yes.”
The petition urges the authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure that victims of sexual violence obtain appropriate justice. In particular, it wants the justice minister and parliament to put forward proposals to revise the Penal Code to ensure that non-consensual sexual acts are properly punished and that Swiss law conforms to international human rights standards.
The text also calls for mandatory and ongoing training for judges, police and lawyers in the care of victims of sexual violence.
Under Swiss law, rape is recognised only if there is coercion by the perpetrator and resistance from the victim. However, the Istanbul Convention, which entered into force in Switzerland last year, clearly demands that lack of consent serve as the basis for any legal definition of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Reform ‘not appropriate’
A study carried out by the gfs.bern institute for AmnestyExternal link, which was published in May, revealed that 22% of women over 16 had been subject to non-consensual sexual acts and 12% had had sex against their will. Around half of those affected had not talked about their sexual violence experience, the survey of 4,500 Swiss women found, and only 8% had filed a complaint with the police.
Nearly 60% of the women surveyed said they had been sexually harassed: unwanted contact, hugging or kissing.
In August the Federal Council said in reply to a parliamentary question that reform of the law was not appropriate. Thirty-two Swiss lawyers had publicly criticised the need to change legislation.
More
More
One in five Swiss women has been a victim of sexual violence
This content was published on
Sexual violence is much more widespread in Switzerland than previously thought, affecting at least one in five women, Amnesty warns.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
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
One in five Swiss women has been a victim of sexual violence
This content was published on
Sexual violence is much more widespread in Switzerland than previously thought, affecting at least one in five women, Amnesty warns.
Rape in conflict zones a multi-faceted and underreported crime
This content was published on
Wartime sexual violence is a grave problem, but the term "rape as a weapon of war" does not always capture the reality of this crime.
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.