The Council of Europe Assesses Switzerland and Ticino's Progress in Combating Violence Against Women (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

On March 11, the Council of Europe monitored Switzerland and Ticino's progress in addressing gender-based violence.

Contesto

TL;DR - Ticino hosts GREVIO delegation to monitor Istanbul Convention implementation. - Domestic violence reports in Ticino increased by 15% from 2019 to 2023. - Women's House in Lugano sheltered over 50 women and 80 minors since 2020. ## Key facts - Convention: Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, aims to combat gender-based violence. - Increase in reports: Domestic violence reports in Ticino increased by 15% from 2019 to 2023. - Women's House: Project in Lugano, inaugurated in 2020, sheltered over 50 women and 80 minors. - Victim support law: 2018 law allocates 2 million Swiss francs annually for assistance services. - Domestic violence interventions: Over 30% of interventions in 2022 involved residents from Mendrisio and Bellinzona. - Help centers: Women's Protection Center in Lugano assisted over 200 women in 2022. - Training programs: Over 300 social workers participated in training programs in the past two years. - Investments: Total investments of about 1.5 million Swiss francs in 2023 for equal opportunities and children's rights. 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 Departm...

Dettagli operativi

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...

Punti chiave

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...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How much progress has been made in reporting domestic violence in Ticino between 2019 and 2023?","a":"The number of complaints increased by 15%."},{"q":"What is the annual budget for assistance services provided for by the 2018 Victim Support Act in the Canton of Ticino?","a":"The annual budget is 2 million Swiss francs."},{"q":"How can I report a situation of domestic violence if I live in Como but work in Lugano?","a":"You can contact both the Swiss and Italian authorities. In Ticino, call 117 (police) or go to the Center for the Protection of Women in Lugano. In Italy, contact 1522 (anti-violence number) or your local law enforcement. The Istanbul Convention facilitates cross-border cooperation."},{"q":"What are the free services for victims of domestic violence available in Como and its province?","a":"In Como you can contact the Anti-Violence Center 'Women on the Net' (335 722 45 67) or the number 1522. They offer psychological support, legal advice and assistance in case of emergency, also in collaboration with Ticino institutions."},{"q":"Do I have to change residence to access protection services in Ticino? I don't have a residence permit yet.","a":"No, it is not necessary to have a residence permit to access protection services in Ticino. You can contact the Lugano Women's Protection Centre directly or the Service for Victim Help, which also offers assistance to undocumented people."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How much progress has been made in reporting domestic violence in Ticino between 2019 and 2023?
The number of complaints increased by 15%.
What is the annual budget for assistance services provided for by the 2018 Victim Support Act in the Canton of Ticino?
The annual budget is 2 million Swiss francs.
How can I report a situation of domestic violence if I live in Como but work in Lugano?
You can contact both the Swiss and Italian authorities. In Ticino, call 117 (police) or go to the Center for the Protection of Women in Lugano. In Italy, contact 1522 (anti-violence number) or your local law enforcement. The Istanbul Convention facilitates cross-border cooperation.
What are the free services for victims of domestic violence available in Como and its province?
In Como you can contact the Anti-Violence Center 'Women on the Net' (335 722 45 67) or the number 1522. They offer psychological support, legal advice and assistance in case of emergency, also in collaboration with Ticino institutions.
Do I have to change residence to access protection services in Ticino? I don't have a residence permit yet.
No, it is not necessary to have a residence permit to access protection services in Ticino. You can contact the Lugano Women's Protection Centre directly or the Service for Victim Help, which also offers assistance to undocumented people.

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