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.
Swiss centre records over 200 victims of human trafficking
This content was published on
Last year 317 people took part in a protection programme run by the Specialist Unit for Trafficking in Women and Women’s Migration (FIZ) in German-speaking Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partners are opening a field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday.
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.
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.