Switzerland: higher rate of domestic violence deaths
Domestic violence is a problem in many European countries (posed picture)
Keystone / Maurizio Gambarini
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, basing its report on Eurostat statistics.
In 2017, there were 0.40 murders of women per 100,000 women, compared with 0.13 in Greece, 0.27 in Spain, 0.31 in neighbouring Italy and 0.35 for the United Kingdom, according to EurostatExternal link. However, Switzerland’s other neighbours showed a higher rate: France at 0.50 and Germany at 0.55.
Nora Markwalder, assistant professor of criminology at the University of St Gallen, told the newspaperExternal link that in general the murder rate in Switzerland had dropped considerably compared with the 1980s and 1990s, but the fall was a bit less in domestic settings. “Our hypothesis is that the reduction in army numbers at the beginning of the 2000s as well as different legislative measures on keeping better control of arms [at home] have played a role,” she said. Most murders are however committed with knives, she pointed out.
Lorella Bertani, a lawyer specializing in helping domestic violence victims, believes that “in terms of statistics, according to age group, domestic violence kills more women than smoking, alcohol and driving”. The murders occur because some men consider women their property, she said. More prevention work is needed, Bertani added, also in teaching boys respect.
More protection
In July the government announced measuresExternal link to better protect victims of domestic violence and stalking. This includes not making the victim solely in charge of whether to pursue criminal proceedings. This would apply especially if the victim is coming under pressure to drop the case. The measures are due to come into effect from July 2020.
According to the Federal Statistical OfficeExternal link, on average one person dies every two weeks from domestic violence in Switzerland (25 people a year, during the period 2009-2018).
More
More
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.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
SWISS cancels flight to Tel Aviv following missile attack near Ben Gurion airport
This content was published on
After a missile landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport, Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) cancelled its flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Swiss foreign minister rejects mandatory referendum for EU deals
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s decision to make EU deals subject to an optional rather than a mandatory referendum.
Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists face off in Geneva
This content was published on
Anti-abortion Christian groups held a silent prayer in front of the Geneva train station on Saturday, to the whistles and shouts of pro-choice demonstrators.
Swiss army soldier seriously injured in accident on Simplon Pass
This content was published on
A member of the Swiss army was seriously injured on Friday while manoeuvring a self-propelled howitzer on the Simplon Pass.
Basel attempts world‘s largest over-60s disco before Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
It was billed as a world record attempt for the biggest over-60s disco of all time. But most visitors came to Basel to have fun.
Basel prepares 700 volunteers for the Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
Around 320 people took part in one of the two official information events for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel on Friday.
More Swiss soldiers involved in accidents during training in Austria
This content was published on
The Swiss army has reported various accidents involving Swiss soldiers during the exercise “TRIAS 25” in Austria. Some have led to hospitalisations.
Swiss court rules vegan meat substitutes can’t use animal names
This content was published on
Vegan meat substitutes may not bear animal names such as “planted.chicken” according to a ruling by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
Domestic violence is ‘fairly widespread’ in Switzerland
This content was published on
One in seven victims were minors, and children were present in half of all police interventions. A total of 9,195 people were charged by the police. Last year, 36 people were killed during domestic violence incidents, including eight children of pre-school age. Men were responsible for three out of four incidents (78%), the office said.…
Domestic violence victims to receive better legal protection
This content was published on
Presenting the plans on Wednesday, Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said the cabinet was seeking the use of electronic bracelets to monitor compliance with bans against approach or contact with a victim of domestic violence. However, the cabinet dropped proposals for live electronic monitoring following opposition from cantons for practical reasons. Instead the data can be…
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.