Domestic violence: new urgent measures to combat the phenomenon

Context

In brief

• New roadmap against domestic violence
• National number 142 operational from May 1st
• 2266 offenses in 2025, +4.4% compared to 2024

Key facts

• What: Roadmap against domestic violence
• When: Launched five years ago, balance traced on April 27, 2026
• Where: Switzerland, with measures at federal and cantonal levels
• Who: Federal Councillor Beat Jans, Federal Department of Justice and Police (DFGP)
• Amount: 2266 offenses in 2025, an increase of 4.4% compared to 2024

Federal Councillor Beat Jans acknowledged the effectiveness of the five-year roadmap against domestic violence but announced the need for new urgent measures. Among these, the national number 142, operational from May 1st, will offer 24-hour assistance. Jans emphasized that, despite the progress, the figures still paint a negative picture, with a 4.4% increase in offenses in 2025 compared to the previous year. Electronic surveillance and threat management with uniform quality standards are among the steps taken. Furthermore, the Federal Council proposed amendments to the law on aid to victims of crimes, facilitating access to first aid and providing for the free-of-charge nature of medico-legal documentation.

Practical implications

The new measures, such as the national number 142, represent a significant step for victims of domestic violence. The possibility of accessing 24-hour assistance services and the free-of-charge nature of medico-legal documentation simplify the process of reporting and support. Furthermore, the expansion of emergency accommodation offers an immediate solution for those in dangerous situations. Electronic surveillance and threat management with uniform standards improve the protection of victims, reducing the risk of further violence.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the introduction of these measures, victims of domestic violence had to face significant obstacles in accessing assistance services. The lack of a dedicated national number and the complexity of legal procedures made it difficult to obtain timely support. With the operability of number 142 and the amendments to the law on aid to victims, the process has become more accessible and faster. Furthermore, the expansion of emergency accommodation and the adoption of uniform standards for threat management offer more effective protection.

Concrete scenarios

Imagine a victim of domestic violence who finds themselves in a dangerous situation. Before the introduction of number 142, this person would have had to seek help through less direct and potentially slower channels. Now, with the new national number, they can obtain immediate assistance, 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the free-of-charge nature of medico-legal documentation facilitates the reporting process, making it easier to obtain justice. Emergency accommodation offers a safe refuge, while electronic surveillance and threat management ensure continuous protection.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers residing in Ticino and working in Italy can benefit from the new measures against domestic violence. The national number 142 is accessible to everyone, regardless of nationality, offering immediate support in case of need. The free-of-charge nature of medico-legal documentation and the expansion of emergency accommodation are particularly useful for those in vulnerable situations. Electronic surveillance and threat management with uniform standards ensure effective protection, regardless of place of residence or work.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

The new measures against domestic violence represent a significant step forward, but it is important to consider the practical implications for victims and authorities. The national number 142 provides quick access to assistance services, but it is essential that victims are aware of its existence and know how to use it. The free medical-legal documentation simplifies the reporting process, but it is necessary that victims are informed about their rights and the procedures to follow.

Procedure to Access Assistance Services

1. Contact the number 142: Victims of domestic violence can call the national number 142 to obtain immediate assistance. The service is operational 24 hours a day and offers support in various languages. 2. Medical-legal documentation: Victims can request medical-legal documentation for free, which can be used as evidence in case of a report. This document is essential to initiate legal proceedings against the aggressor. 3. Emergency accommodation: The cantons are expanding the offer of emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence. These accommodations provide a safe and temporary refuge, allowing victims to distance themselves from the dangerous situation. 4. Electronic surveillance: Electronic surveillance is an effective means of protecting victims of domestic violence. The cantons have defined uniform quality standards for managing threats, ensuring continuous protection. 5. Threat management: Authorities will verify more carefully the risk of abuse within families, taking it into account in the attribution of custody and parental authority. This approach aims to protect victims in civil proceedings, saving them from direct confrontation with the aggressor.

Comparison with Other Initiatives

The new measures against domestic violence fit into a broader context of initiatives for the protection of victims. The campaign 'Equality Prevents Violence', launched in November 2025, aims to raise public awareness on the issue of domestic violence. Furthermore, Parliament is discussing the possible need for a national law on protection against violence, with the aim of standardizing regulations in the field.

Implications for Authorities

The new measures require significant commitment from the authorities. Managing threats with uniform quality standards requires adequate training of staff and effective collaboration between cantons. Expanding emergency accommodation requires financial and logistical resources. Electronic surveillance requires the adoption of advanced technologies and staff training for the use of these tools.

Future Scenarios

The new measures against domestic violence represent a significant step forward, but it is important to consider future scenarios. The adoption of a national law on protection against violence could standardize regulations in the field and improve the protection of victims. The revision of gun laws could reduce the risk of domestic violence related to the use of firearms. The national strategy against domestic violence, scheduled for spring 2027, could introduce further measures to prevent and combat the phenomenon.

Recommended tools

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Key points

Concrete Action

The new measures against domestic violence offer a series of practical tools for victims and authorities. It is important that victims are aware of these tools and know how to use them. Authorities must ensure the effective implementation of the new measures and the training of staff.

Procedure for Victims

1. Contact the number 142: Victims of domestic violence can call the national number 142 to obtain immediate assistance. The service is operational 24 hours a day and offers support in various languages. 2. Request medico-legal documentation: Victims can request medico-legal documentation for free, usable as evidence in case of a complaint. This document is essential to initiate legal proceedings against the aggressor. 3. Access emergency accommodations: The cantons are expanding the offer of emergency accommodations for victims of domestic violence. These accommodations provide a safe and temporary refuge, allowing victims to distance themselves from the dangerous situation. 4. Use electronic surveillance: Electronic surveillance is an effective means of protecting victims of domestic violence. Victims can request electronic surveillance from the competent authorities. 5. Report threats: Victims can report threats to the competent authorities. The authorities will verify more carefully the risk of abuse within families, taking it into account in the attribution of custody and parental authority. ### Procedure for Authorities 1. Staff training: Authorities must ensure adequate training of staff for managing threats and using electronic surveillance. 2. Collaboration between cantons: Authorities must collaborate effectively between cantons to ensure uniform implementation of the new measures. 3. Expansion of emergency accommodations: Authorities must ensure the expansion of emergency accommodations for victims of domestic violence. 4. Review of firearm laws: Authorities must consider reviewing firearm laws to reduce the risk of domestic violence related to the use of firearms. 5. Adoption of a national strategy: Authorities must adopt a national strategy against domestic violence to introduce further prevention and combating measures. ### Useful Tools For further information and support, victims of domestic violence can use the following tools:

• Salary calculator
• Practical guides
• Useful contacts

Final CTA

For further information and support, victims of domestic violence can use the salary calculator to evaluate their options and plan their future.

Source: tvsvizzera.it