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.

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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.

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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.

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