The number of injuries inflicted during acts of violence has nearly doubled over the past 15 years in Switzerland, with young men at particular risk of being hurt.
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A survey released on Monday by the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund, an independent non-profit organisation, found the number of injuries reported to insurers soared from about 5,000 in 1991 to 9,300 cases in 2006.
Young men – Swiss and foreigners alike – were particularly prone to injuries as a result of violence often at weekends and away from home. Seven out of 1,000 people aged 15-27 had suffered violence-related injuries.
In the case of men aged between 15 and 24 the number was even higher at twelve per thousand, up from four in 1991.
Young women mainly become victims of domestic aggression. Married women are three times more likely to be injured than single ones.
The survey was based on figures on gainfully employed people up to the age of 64.
In 2006 the insurance fund made SFr65 million ($58.6 million) in payments towards hospitals, doctors, as well as disability and sickness benefits.
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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.