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.
A man and a woman face each other in a cool evening atmosphere.

Why this campaign?

The campaign addresses violence in three ways:

  • It raises awareness of how violent behaviour can start
  • It encourages people to talk about violence
  • And it provides information on advice and support services

Explaining how violence starts

The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the early stages of violence: when someone is constantly belittled, controlled or isolated, or when people exploit positions of power and dominance.

If you recognise the early warning signs, you can prevent violence.

Encouraging people to talk about violence

Experiences of violence involve many uncertainties and fears. The campaign aims to encourage people to talk about this subject and get help – whether they experience, witness or engage in violence themselves.

Talking about violence must no longer be taboo.

Publicising support services

There are numerous support and advice centres in Switzerland. The campaign also provides information about these, so that victims, their close contacts and (potential) perpetrators can get the support they need. Let’s not leave anyone experiencing violence alone.

A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A poster of the FOGE campaign.
A still image from the video.
A still image from the video.
A still image from the video.

The images and videos shown were generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and are deliberately blurred: this ensures that no real people are depicted and stigmatization is avoided.

Who is behind the campaign

With the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, Switzerland committed itself to preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Under the auspices of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the national prevention campaign has been launched by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE). The campaign was developed, at the request of Parliament, in close collaboration with the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Social Affairs (SODK) and Swiss Crime Prevention. This work was carried out with the aid of specialist organisations and centres, and the campaign is now being promoted by cantons, communes and numerous organisations active in this area.

More detailed information is available in the campaign fact sheet and on the website of the Gender Equality Strategy 2030.

Manifesto against violence

It’s not enough to react when violence becomes visible. We must nip it in the bud. Gender-based, sexual and domestic violence begins with people who seek to control others. And who demean other people. Women, younger and older people, LGBTIQ people and people with disabilities, especially, experience violence more frequently.

We can all do something to prevent it:

  • By breaking our silence and getting support, even if we’re not sure that what we’re experiencing is violence
  • As onlookers, by not tolerating violence and offering those affected our support – or getting help.
  • Or by questioning our own behaviour before our words and actions harm others

Let’s treat each other with respect. And resolve our differences without violence. As equals.

Among those supporting the campaign are the following personalities:

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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A man and a woman are facing each other by the lake at sunset.

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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A man and a woman face each other in a warm evening atmosphere.

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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A woman and a man are facing each other in an autumn atmosphere.