Violence against women and domestic violence: Switzerland submits its second state report
Berne, 26.09.2025 — At its meeting on 26 September, the Federal Council adopted its second state report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, which focuses on developments since 2021. The emphasis is on information regarding prevention, protection and prosecution, new trends in Switzerland and data from the last two years.
Violence against women and domestic violence remain serious problems in Switzerland. On average, one woman dies every two weeks because of such violence. Since the beginning of 2025, the number of femicides has already been very high in Switzerland. In 2024, the police recorded 21,127 offences related to domestic violence, 6% more than in the previous year. Women account for nearly 70% of victims. Children are also particularly vulnerable to violence within their families.
The Federal Council considers combating domestic violence and violence against women to be a priority. By ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), Switzerland has been firmly committed since 2018 to strengthening prevention, protection for all victims and criminal prosecution of these forms of violence.
Switzerland, like all States Parties, is required to submit periodic state reports which serve as a basis for the Council of Europe to examine how the Convention is being implemented. The first report was submitted in 2021. In addition to the second state report adopted today, Switzerland is submitting its responses to the recommendations made to it by the Committee of the Parties in December 2022, based on the first report and the conclusions of the Group of Experts on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO).
Strengthening prevention and protection instruments
Since 2022, in response to the recommendations made following the first report, Switzerland has strengthened its instruments for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. In June 2022, the Federal Council adopted the National Action Plan 2022-2026 for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. An interim report was published on 25 November 2024, on the occasion of the first National Dialogue on Violence, Gender and Discrimination.
In addition to studies on various aspects of violence, the federal government has developed minimum standards for the initial and continuing training of various professional groups, which specify the topics and skills that should be taught in relation to gender-based, sexual and domestic violence. The cantons have also adopted numerous measures, listed in the report, to strengthen prevention and combat the causes of violence, particularly in schools.
On the legislative front, major changes have been adopted, such as the revision of criminal law on sexual offences, civil measures against child marriage, and changes to residence rights for victims of domestic violence. In addition, a specific provision criminalising stalking will be included in the Swiss Criminal Code.
The report also shows that new trends are emerging, particularly with regard to digital forms of violence. They are increasingly recognised as a central component of domestic violence.
Joint and ongoing commitment
The joint commitment of the federal government, cantons, communes and civil society remains a key factor in preventing and combating violence in Switzerland. Various measures are currently being developed. For example, the first national prevention campaign against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will be launched in November. In May 2026, a three-digit telephone number for victim support will go live, and the first national prevalence survey of violence will be conducted in 2027.
Report to be reviewed by a group of independent experts
Switzerland's second report is the starting point for GREVIO's monitoring activities. After reviewing the report, the group will visit Switzerland in March 2026 and issue new recommendations by the end of the year.
Interim report on Switzerland's National Action Plan to implement the Istanbul Convention from 2022 to 2026 (available in French and German)