The representative studyExternal link, conducted by the Sotomo research centre in autumn 2021 for an umbrella organisation of women’s refuges in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, took place among more than 3,500 people. It looked at all forms of violence: physical, psychological and sexual.
Women between the ages of 26 and 45 are the most affected.
As there are no other comprehensive studies of this kind over a large period of time, the results should be considered in isolation as an initial assessment of the situation, the study authors said.
In all, 15% of respondents said they had been violent at least once. The most common reasons given were: alcohol and personal experience of violence, as well as possessiveness and a “traditional view” of women.
Almost 40% of those surveyed said they suspected domestic violence in their personal circle. Eight out of ten said they saw domestic violence as a societal problem and around the same figure thought more should be done against domestic violence at a political level.
Serious situation
The results of the study and the recent high number of femicides this year (25 by October 2021, according to the report) point to a serious situation, a statement said.
Femicides were the maximum escalation of gender-based violence, the authors said.
Earlier this year the Swiss government formally adopted a report that set out the country’s agenda for preventing escalating violence against women. This was the first official national report on violence against women.
Switzerland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul ConventionExternal link) in 2018.
More
More
Switzerland lays out commitment to tackling violence against women
This content was published on
On average a woman dies every two-and-a-half weeks in Switzerland after being attacked. The numbers of reported domestic abuse cases have been rising for years, peaking at 20,123 last year. Some 27,000 children are also affected by domestic abuse each year, says the report. Switzerland’s first national report on violence against women is an important…
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Guidelines presented to boost protection of victims of violence
This content was published on
A national conference attended by Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter is considering better protection for victims of violence in Switzerland.
Thousands of children witness domestic violence, warn papers
This content was published on
One in five children in Switzerland (21%) has witnessed scenes of domestic violence at home, sometimes with lasting consequences.
Coronavirus is a nightmare for domestic violence victims
This content was published on
Isolation in time of coronavirus also leaves more leeway for violent spouses. Victim support organisations are concerned.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.