Are you affected by violence?

Find out here what you can do if you’ve experienced violence of any kind. Even if you’re not sure what’s really happened, get some advice and support.

Violence isn’t always physical

Because violence isn’t always immediately obvious, it can easily be misinterpreted or brushed aside. But violence starts whenever people demean, control or disrespect others. Even apparently minor violations should be taken seriously – in your relationship, in your personal circle, at work or in public spaces.

Violence can also take the form of:

  • Suggestive remarks
  • Unwanted touching
  • Sending unsolicited pornographic images or films
  • Insults, demeaning or humiliating comments

Individual incidents may not seem that important. But cumulatively, they create an atmosphere of intimidation, fear and insecurity.

Violence often develops gradually

Violence isn’t always foreseeable – for example, if you are forced to have sex after a date, are assaulted on an evening out or are threatened online.

But when violence is perpetrated by people close to you – in your family, during leisure activities, at work, in a couple – it often develops gradually. The person may then violate your boundaries more and more frequently and seriously. You may become increasingly unsure of yourself, feeling restricted and fearful. As the violations intensify, the risk of physical and sexual violence also rises.

What you must take seriously:

  • Repeated disregard for your boundaries: your no isn’t taken as a no
  • You’re blamed for the other person’s misconduct or violations
  • Threats and intimidation: you’re afraid the worst will happen if you don’t comply with the other person’s wishes
  • Controlling behaviour: the other person takes more and more control over your life
  • Isolation: you’re made increasingly dependent on the other person, who prevents you from seeing or communicating with others

You’re not alone

If you’ve experienced violence, then you’re not alone. Gender-based, sexual and domestic violence are part of everyday life for a lot of people. But many incidents aren’t reported and simply remain hidden.

It’s not your fault

Asking for help sounds easy. So why is it so hard?

Maybe it’s painful to talk about what you’ve experienced. Maybe you’re ashamed that it happened to you. Maybe you’re afraid you won’t be believed or you may even be blamed.

It’s normal for you to feel that way. But there’s something you need to be aware of: if you’ve experienced violence, you don’t bear any blame or responsibility. Ever. Only the person who engages in violence is responsible.

Sometimes it may take a while or a few attempts to ask for support. Maybe you can first confide in someone close to you and have them go with you. Your local counselling services are ready whenever you are.

Who helps when?

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In cases of immediate danger or violence

Call the police (phone number 117) or, in a medical emergency, the ambulance service (phone number 144).

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If you’ve experienced violence

Whether it’s violent crime, domestic or sexual violence, Victim Support will provide assistance anonymously, at no charge. You’ll receive advice and help to plan your next steps.

Go to Victim Support Switzerland
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If you feel unsure

Have you experienced situations with your partner, in your personal circle or in a public space which make you feel insecure or uneasy? Don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to someone you trust, and find out about the counselling and support services available:

Counselling and support services

Counselling and services

Here you can refine your search for a suitable support service.

21 Counselling and services

  • Victim Support Switzerland

    Recognised victim support counselling centres can be found in all cantons. They provide advice and support for anyone who has experienced violence in Switzerland – free of charge, confidentially and (if desired) anonymously.

  • Online counselling and chat services

    For people who’ve experienced violence – but also for relatives and other close contacts – confidential, anonymous chat or online counselling services are offered by victim support centres in German-speaking Switzerland and by the «Violence que faire» platform in French-speaking Switzerland.

  • Women’s and men’s refuges

    In a women’s or men’s refuge or other safe accommodation, women, men, children and adolescents wishing to escape from – or facing an immediate threat of – violence will find shelter, advice and support.

  • Immediate assistance for victims of sexual violence

    Anyone who experiences sexual violence should go to an A&E department as soon as possible.

  • Sexual harassment in the workplace

    For people who’ve experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work, the website «Belästigt» and the French-speaking Swiss organisation «Non c’est non» offer information, advice and confidential, anonymous online counselling in various languages.

  • Support services for French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino

  • Heart2Heart

    Sometimes a sympathetic ear can help people to open up about difficult experiences.

  • Online safe for evidence of domestic violence and stalking

    Experts recommend that incidents of domestic violence or stalking should be documented as early as possible.

  • Violence in old age

    Violence in old age includes violence within elderly couples, as well as abuse and (intentional or unintentional) neglect of an elderly person within a relationship where there’s an expectation of trust.

  • Advice and support for children and adolescents

    Children and adolescents who’ve experienced or witnessed violence, or who are affected by domestic violence between parents, can call the 147 helpline.

  • Online sexual violence against minors

    People who come across sexual violence against children or adolescents online (for example, photos or videos with pedocriminal content) can make a report to the «Clickandstop» centre run by Child Protection Switzerland.

  • Violence against children

    Child Protection Switzerland has various help- and hotlines for parents, professionals and anyone else who suspects violence against children, cybersex offences or child welfare risks.

  • Insieme

    The internal contact and reporting office supports the insieme regional associations and insieme service users in cases of sexual exploitation, abuse or other boundary violations.

  • LGBTIQ-Helpline

    The LGBTIQ-Helpline records reports of discrimination and anti-LGBTIQ violence, with trained volunteers offering peer-to-peer counselling for those affected.

  • Centre of Competence against Forced Marriage

    The Swiss Centre of Competence against Forced Marriage offers free advice and coaching for people affected, and also for professionals, on the topics of forced marriage, restrictions on partner choice, obligation to marry, forced continuation of a marriage and forced engagement.

  • Female genital mutilation/cutting

    The Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland comprises a national and various regional contact points.

  • Human trafficking and exploitation

    Sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, forced labour, exploitative begging, forced organ removal.

  • FIZ Centre for Women Trafficking and Migration

    FIZ Protection program for victims of trafficking supports victims of human trafficking in German-speaking Switzerland.

  • Swiss Sport Integrity

    People who experience or witness psychological, physical or sexual violations, discrimination or other abuses in sports clubs or associations can (anonymously) contact the national reporting service «Swiss Sport Integrity».

  • Fact sheets on domestic violence

    For the public, as well as for journalists and professionals, the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) provides information on domestic violence in a concise format.

  • The Blue Cross

    Physical, psychological and sexual domestic violence often happens under the influence of alcohol. The Blue Cross supports victims and their loved ones in Switzerland, free of charge and confidentially.

Understanding the background –
preventing violence

Why equality prevents violence

When people seek to dominate others, the risk of violence is increased. Equality protects those affected – and can prevent violence arising in the first place.

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Background to the campaign

Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has many causes and many faces. It is widespread in Switzerland, as it is elsewhere. Anyone can be affected, but women face a higher risk. To tackle this, the campaign focuses on two common sources of violence: power imbalances and discriminatory norms.

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How much control is too much?

When does control in a relationship become problematic, and what can be done if that happens.

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Defining our terms?

What forms of violence is this campaign addressing? And what exactly is meant by genderbased, sexual and domestic violence? Brief explanations are given here.

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