Published on 22 August 2023

Violence against women – extent and legal situation

Violence against women can be of physical, psychological, sexual or economic nature. Switzerland is committed to preventing and combating gender-based violence.

Symbolising violence against women, tulips in a vase are blown to the side by a violent blast of air.

Violence against women is a form of gender-based violence. This term refers to forms of violence that are directed against an individual because of their gender. Women have a high risk of being affected. Among the reasons for this are a lack of gender equality and persistent gender stereotypes. Men, boys and LGBTIQ people can also be victims of gender-based violence.

The Confederation is involved in many efforts to combat violence against women and domestic violence.

Forms of violence against women

The Istanbul Convention defines violence against women and girls as all acts of violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm or suffering to those affected, including

  •  threats of such acts;
  •  coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty;
  •  whether occurring in public or private spaces.

These include:

If violence takes place within families or partner relationships, it is considered domestic violence.

How common is violence against women?

Violence against women is widespread in Switzerland, as shown by statistics and various research reports. The number of women and girls affected by violence who get in touch with the police or support services has seen an increase in recent years. A high number of unreported cases can also be assumed.

Current statistics and studies on the issue:

International agreements

By joining the Istanbul Convention, Switzerland commits to implementing the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

Additionnally, Switzerland is a State Party to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). For more information, see Cooperation.

National legal basis

Any person who uses violence, whether in public or in private, commits a criminal offence. Since 1 April 2004, violence within marriage or registered partnerships has been prosecuted ex officio, i.e. without the need for the victim to file a complaint.

Under the Swiss Criminal Code violent acts include:

  •  Assault
  •  Threatening behaviour
  •  Coercion
  •  (Repeated) acts of aggression
  • Sexual assault
  •  Rape

In addition, the Swiss Civil Code recognises a standard for protection from violence and there is a Victim Support Act in place.

There are also legal bases in place at cantonal level for the protection of victims of violence:

Status of legislation on the protection of victims of violence, Federal Office for Gender Equality.

Further publications

All publications on violence against women

Symbolising violence against women, tulips in a vase are blown to the side by a violent blast of air.

22 August 2023

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.

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