Am I directly affected?
Domestic violence includes all acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that are:
- Within the family or household, or
- A current or terminated romantic relationship
Domestic violence takes the form of actions such as beating, kicking, strangling, verbal abuse, humiliation, being forced to engage in sexual acts, imprisonment, coercion, persecution, harassment or social isolation.
The majority of violent crimes in Switzerland are committed within the home. Nearly every day, the police conducts operations related to domestic violence. The health and social impacts for those affected, especially minors, are serious. Domestic violence is not condoned by law. The Criminal Code expressly protects persons in charge of protection and spouses, registered partners and heterosexual or homosexual life partners from violence within the family or relationships. Repeated assaults, simple assault and threats are prosecuted once they have become known (crime that can be prosecuted without a formal complaint).
Further information on Domestic Violence – Swiss Crime Prevention:
www.skppsc.ch
Stalking
Stalking in romantic relationships is considered to be domestic violence and occurs particularly during separations. Stalking refers to the persistent threatening, pursuing and harassing of a person. In Switzerland, it is possible under criminal and civil law to take action against stalkers and to protect victims.
A stalker may be punishable if they harass, threaten or stalk the victim through constant unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages and other forms of contact.
If a victim is affected by stalking, the following guidelines are recommended:
- One-off written notification stating that contact is no longer desired
- Discontinue contact and consistently refuse contact (block the stalker’s telephone number, email address, if necessary acquire a new telephone number and/or email address)
- If the stalker shows up in certain places, e.g. place of work/place of residence, ban them from entering the premises
- Apply for personal protection measures via the civil court
- Document incidents (details of location and time)
- Gather evidence (call list, SMS, emails, etc.)
- Report the offence to the police
Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE):
Publication on violence (admin.ch)
Forced marriage
Are you affected by forced marriage? Or do you know anyone who is affected? Under the Swiss Criminal Code, forced marriages have been prohibited since 2013. For further information or advice, please contact the Forced Marriage Office.
Forced Marriage Office:
www.zwangsheirat.ch
Helpline: +41 800 800 007