Violence against women and domestic violence
Violence takes many forms and can affect anyone. Almost half of all violent crimes happen at home, in marriages, in partnerships and in families. Domestic violence can also affect men. However, it is more often directed against women. The same is true with regard to sexual harassment.
Key figures:
- One person dies every two weeks as a result of domestic violence, an average of 25 people per year. 75 per cent of these people are women and girls, 25 per cent are men and boys.
- Around 40 per cent of the crimes registered by the police happen at home. More than 70 per cent of those affected by violence are women and girls.
- People with disabilities and older people are also at increased risk of exposure to domestic violence.
- Various studies show that among those affected by sexual harassment, more than 90 per cent are women, while those identified as perpetrators of violence are almost exclusively men.
Violence against women and domestic violence are human rights violations. The Confederation and cantons are committed to preventing these violations. The goal is to protect victims and prosecute violent crimes.
The Istanbul Convention constitutes the main framework for this commitment. In Switzerland, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence has been in force since 2018.
For more information, see the page Extent and legal situation with regard to violence against women.
What is the Confederation doing to combat violence against women and domestic violence?
National campaign “Equality prevents violence”
On 11 November 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider launched a national prevention campaign against violence. The campaign “Equality prevents violence” was developed by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) with the support of a broad alliance of government bodies and NGOs. It will be repeated in the years to come.
Istanbul Convention
The Istanbul Convention is a Council of Europe convention that protects women and girls from various forms of violence. The Convention came into force in Switzerland on 1 April 2018. The Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) is the national coordination body for implementation of the Istanbul Convention. In 2022, with the Swiss National Action Plan for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, concrete measures were defined by the Confederation, the cantons and the communes.
Supported projects for the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence
Every year, the Confederation supports projects and non-profit organisations with the objective of preventing violence against women and domestic violence. The financial aid used for this purpose helps to implement innovative and effective projects.
What can you do about violence against women and domestic violence?
Financial aid to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence
Switzerland is committed to combating violence against women and domestic violence. Based on Article 386 of the Criminal Code, the Confederation provides financial aid for projects and regular activities that contribute to the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence. The Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) is responsible for awarding around 3 million francs annually for this purpose.
For employers: Prevent sexual harassment in the workplace
As a company or organisation, you have a duty to protect employees from sexual harassment. You must implement preventive measures and define how you will deal with cases of sexual harassment.
Get help for violence against women and domestic violence: Support service
Are you a victim of violence or worried about someone affected by violence? Various contact points can support you in this difficult situation.
Current
National campaign “Equality prevents violence”
A clear sign of violence is when someone strikes out. But violence isn’t always that easy to recognise, especially in its early days. The national campaign “Equality prevents violence” highlights the early warning signs and shows where help and advice are available.
Parental partner violence: better protection for affected children
A new study commissioned by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) and the Swiss Conference against Domestic Violence sheds light on the situation of children affected by violence in parental relationships. Specific recommendations show how existing gaps in support services can be closed and how the protection of affected children in Switzerland can be improved.
Minimum standards for education and training
The minimum standards for the education and training of various professional groups regarding gender-specific, sexualised and domestic violence show the thematic contents and competences that should be taught for the respective professional group as basic knowledge during training or as specific specialist knowledge in education or training.
Supported projects for the prevention of violence
«Leap of the heart»
National project for the prevention of violence in the relationships of young couples.
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Social media campaign on domestic violence
Intercantonal information campaign on domestic violence.
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Chat counselling for victim support
Introduction of a chat counselling service in six victim support centres.
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