Politics Gender-based violence is often ignored
Women and queer people with disabilities experience two to four times more violence than the average population. This year's national prevention campaign "16 days against violence against women" focuses on these groups and makes their concerns visible.
24.11.2025, 09:30
SDA
Women and queer people with disabilities are missing from the statistics and have little access to protection or support, as was stated at the media conference held by the campaign organizers on Monday. They are also marginalized in the public eye. "We are not seen. We are ignored. And this decision is political," Namila Altorfer, CEO of the Avanti network, is quoted as saying in the press release.
At the intersection of sexism and ableism, i.e. hostility towards people with disabilities, these people are doubly affected. There is a higher risk of being exposed to gender-specific violence and at the same time fewer opportunities to receive support.
In Switzerland, only a few support services are actually accessible due to a lack of political will: barrier-free advice and contact points, barrier-free websites, information in easy language or with sign language interpretation are rare. But accessibility is a human right, the report continued. Where people are systematically excluded, everyday structural violence occurs.
Without reliable data, training for professionals and sufficient resources, the Istanbul Convention cannot be implemented. According to the organizers, Switzerland is thus violating its international obligations.
The "16 days against violence against women" campaign begins on Tuesday with a symbolic action. It will last until December 10. More than 300 organizations throughout Switzerland are involved in the campaign. It is being coordinated by the feminist peace organization Frieda.
www.16tage.ch
