Violence against women and domestic violence
What is the Confederation doing to combat violence against women and domestic violence?
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.
Publications of the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE)
The FOGE initiates studies, reports and evaluations and makes its expertise available.
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
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.