Federal government supports campaigns against domestic violence
The Federal Council wants to take action against violence against women and domestic violence. On Wednesday, it approved a legal framework for prevention projects and awareness campaigns.
Last year, 18,522 crimes of domestic violence were registered in Switzerland - a new high. On average, one person is the victim of a homicide attempt every week. Last year, 27 people died, 24 of them women.
Violence against women and domestic violence cause great suffering, writes the Federal Council. It therefore wants to strengthen the measures against it. The ordinance will come into force on January 1, 2020. Money will not flow until the following year: Parliament can decide on the planned financial aid credit of CHF 3 million as part of the 2021 budget.
Support for organizations
On the basis of the regulation, the federal government can implement its own programmes and projects as well as support private organizations and their measures with financial aid. The Federal Office for Gender Equality is responsible for the allocation of funds.
For example, national information and awareness-raising campaigns, educational measures for professionals and prevention projects for people affected by or perpetrators of violence are to be funded. Cooperation and coordination between public and private actors can also be promoted.
Committed to engagement
The ordinance is based on the prevention article in the Criminal Code. The Federal Council also refers to the Istanbul Convention, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
The Federal Council states that Switzerland has committed to a comprehensive engagement within this framework. Parliament approved Switzerland's accession in 2017. The convention entered into force in 2018. (SDA)
