Violence Against Women Europe Council | Frontaliere Ticino
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Context
On Wednesday, March 11, Ticino hosted a delegation from GREVIO, the independent expert group on action against violence against women and domestic violence of the Council of Europe. This meeting represented a significant step in monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, an international agreement aimed at preventing and combating gender-based violence, signed in 2011. Switzerland, being one of the signatory countries of the Convention, has made significant strides: between 2019 and 2023, the number of domestic violence reports in the Canton increased by 15%, highlighting greater awareness and willingness to report. During the meeting, the President of the Council of State, Norman Gobbi, and the leaders of the Department of Justice and Institutions discussed with experts and representatives from civil society organizations the strategies used to combat gender-based violence in Canton Ticino. Among these, the "Women’s House" project in Lugano, inaugurated in 2020, has provided shelter to over 50 women and 80 minors, demonstrating the importance of the support network. Experiences and best practices were shared, such as the 2018 victim support law, which allocates an annual funding of 2 million Swiss francs for assistance services. The entry into force of the Convention marked a turning point, but constant monitoring and policy updates in line with social changes and the needs of victims are necessary. According to police statistics, in 2022, over 30% of interventions for domestic violence involved residents from municipalities like Mendrisio and Bellinzona, underscoring the need for a coordinated strategy at the local level. Suggested operational checklists to improve the effectiveness of measures include: - Ongoing training for law enforcement and soci...
Operational details
The cantonal action plan on domestic violence serves as a key tool for implementing the Istanbul Convention in Ticino. This plan, coordinated by the Justice Division, includes not only protective measures for victims but also prevention and awareness strategies. Among the scheduled actions, we find the establishment of help centers for victims, such as the Women's Protection Center in Lugano, which assisted over 200 women in 2022, and training programs for social workers, which have seen over 300 participants in the past two years. Additionally, parallel to this, the cantonal action plan for equal opportunities and the Program for the protection of children's and young people's rights are underway, with total investments of about 1.5 million Swiss francs in 2023. These initiatives aim to create an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to addressing gender-based violence. During GREVIO's visit, some critical points also emerged, such as the need for greater visibility and accessibility of services offered to victims. For example, only 40% of women reported knowing about the available services, according to a survey conducted in 2022. Monitoring by the Council of Europe ensures that policies are not only in place but also effective in addressing the real needs of women victims of violence. In this context, it is crucial that Ticino municipalities, such as Mendrisio and Bellinzona, implement operational checklists to facilitate the recognition of domestic violence signals by health and social workers. Training on these topics has recently been expanded with specific courses, involving over 150 professionals in the field. In summary, Ticino is making significant progress in the fight against gender-based violence, but it is crucial to continue monitoring the effectiv...
Key points
For women victims of violence in Ticino, access to clear information and support is crucial. In 2022, the number of reports of domestic violence increased by 15% compared to the previous year, according to data provided by the Cantonal Police. Support services are available to provide legal, psychological, and social assistance. In the municipality of Lugano, for example, an Listening Center is active, having assisted about 200 women in the past year alone, offering free legal consultations and emotional support. If you find yourself in a vulnerable situation, reach out to the Victim Support Service at 0800 220 220 or contact local associations, such as the "For Your Tomorrow" Foundation in Bellinzona, which offers specific services anonymously and free of charge. It is essential for women to know they are not alone and that there are resources available to help them rebuild their lives. Additionally, we encourage you to visit our salary calculator to check available financial resources, which can also be useful in emergency situations such as separation from a violent partner. The fight against gender-based violence is a collective responsibility: it is vital that institutions, organizations, and citizens collaborate to create a safer environment for all women in Ticino. The news of the meeting on March 11 with GREVIO underscores Switzerland's ongoing commitment to combating violence against women. Regulations, such as the Federal Law on Domestic Violence (LVD) introduced in 2013, have led to a 20% increase in protective measures issued by courts. For those in need of immediate help, here is an operational checklist: - Contact the Victim Support Service at 0800 220 220. - Reach out to a local Listening Center. - Check the possibility of requesting a protection order...