The representative studyExternal link, conducted by the Sotomo research centre in autumn 2021 for an umbrella organisation of women’s refuges in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, took place among more than 3,500 people. It looked at all forms of violence: physical, psychological and sexual.
Women between the ages of 26 and 45 are the most affected.
As there are no other comprehensive studies of this kind over a large period of time, the results should be considered in isolation as an initial assessment of the situation, the study authors said.
In all, 15% of respondents said they had been violent at least once. The most common reasons given were: alcohol and personal experience of violence, as well as possessiveness and a “traditional view” of women.
Almost 40% of those surveyed said they suspected domestic violence in their personal circle. Eight out of ten said they saw domestic violence as a societal problem and around the same figure thought more should be done against domestic violence at a political level.
Serious situation
The results of the study and the recent high number of femicides this year (25 by October 2021, according to the report) point to a serious situation, a statement said.
Femicides were the maximum escalation of gender-based violence, the authors said.
Earlier this year the Swiss government formally adopted a report that set out the country’s agenda for preventing escalating violence against women. This was the first official national report on violence against women.
Switzerland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul ConventionExternal link) in 2018.
More
More
Switzerland lays out commitment to tackling violence against women
This content was published on
On average a woman dies every two-and-a-half weeks in Switzerland after being attacked. The numbers of reported domestic abuse cases have been rising for years, peaking at 20,123 last year. Some 27,000 children are also affected by domestic abuse each year, says the report. Switzerland’s first national report on violence against women is an important…
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Abbot of Saint-Maurice steps down following sex abuse report
This content was published on
Jean Scarcella has decided to step down as Abbot of Saint-Maurice in the Swiss canton of Valais, the abbey announced on Saturday.
Philipp Matthias Bregy named new president of Centre Party
This content was published on
Valais National Councillor Philipp Matthias Bregy is the new President of the Centre Party. The delegates elected him as the successor to Gerhard Pfister on Saturday in Bern without discussion.
Global call for active neutrality launched from Geneva
This content was published on
A number of players have launched a worldwide appeal for active neutrality in Geneva at a time when the major powers are taking a tougher line. The city is competing with Vienna to attract an international congress on this issue in 2026.
This content was published on
The M'Tongé gorilla has died at Basel Zoo at the age of 26. The dominant male had to be euthanised on Friday morning owing to a parasite infection.
This content was published on
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has been invited to Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Swiss canton coordinates donations for landslide destroyed village
This content was published on
The Swiss canton of Valais to form committee to coordinate CHF 57.4 million donations for village destroyed by a landslide.
Body of Blatten landslide victim found and identified
This content was published on
The body of 64-year-old man, who has been missing since part of the Brich glacier collapsed on the Swiss village of Blatten has been found.
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
Guidelines presented to boost protection of victims of violence
This content was published on
A national conference attended by Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter is considering better protection for victims of violence in Switzerland.
Thousands of children witness domestic violence, warn papers
This content was published on
One in five children in Switzerland (21%) has witnessed scenes of domestic violence at home, sometimes with lasting consequences.
Coronavirus is a nightmare for domestic violence victims
This content was published on
Isolation in time of coronavirus also leaves more leeway for violent spouses. Victim support organisations are concerned.
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.