Population size:
8,656,428 [1]
Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:
19,669 reported domestic offences in 2019, up 6% from year before in which 18,522 offences were reported. [2]
Around 75% of perpetrators were men, around 70% of victims were women [3]
Cost of domestic abuse to the economy each year:
In 2013, the Federal Office for Gender Equality, estimated a cost of CHF 164-287 million per year [4]
Estimated % change due to COVID-19:
The national figures do not yet show an increase in domestic violence. Calls in Biel have so far decreased but other victim support organisations have reported an increase. [5]
But it would seem likely in line with other countries [also UNFPA projections] that the numbers have increased. [6]
Current law and policy:
There does not appear to be any specific provision tailored to create specific criminal penalties or civil remedies attaching to situations of domestic violence. Relevant legal provisions are instead located across both domestic and international instruments.
Neither the Swiss Civil nor Criminal Codes provide specific offences protecting against domestic violence. Article 28b of the Swiss Civil Code