Prevention of violence

Council of States wants stricter rules in the fight against domestic violence

The Council of States wants to step up the fight against domestic violence. (symbolic image)

Keystone

Domestic violence is to be better combated in Switzerland. The Council of States has approved three motions calling for measures in this area. Among other things, it calls for uniform rules for prevention, victim protection and criminal prosecution.

Keystone-SDA

10.03.2026, 11:13

Domestic violence is a serious violation of human rights, especially when women and children are affected, said Marianne Maret, a member of the Council of States from the canton of Valais. In Switzerland, however, the protection mechanisms are inadequate and too fragmented. Uniform rules are needed.

These include, for example, binding standards for the police, judiciary and social services and the harmonization of preventative measures such as contact and area bans. Maret's motion also calls for easy and guaranteed access to women's shelters, emergency accommodation and specialized advice centres.

Finally, repeated domestic violence and femicide must be defined in the law, writes Maret on the motion. The penalties should be adjusted accordingly.

Monitoring the perpetrators of violence

"After years of waiting, it is now time to act," said Heidi Z'graggen (center/UR). Her own motion in the fight against domestic violence was also successful in plenary.

Specifically, the Federal Council should amend various laws and decrees so that the rejection of domestic violence and the protection of women and children are defined as binding integration criteria from the first day of residence. For example, mandatory training against domestic violence should be provided upon arrival in Switzerland.

In a third motion, Councillor of States Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger (center/LU) calls for a national follow-up system in the area of domestic violence. Perpetrators should be systematically recorded and supported. This is necessary in order to identify risk factors at an early stage and prevent repeat cases, she said. Her proposal also received a clear majority in the Council of States.

The three motions will now go to the National Council. The Federal Council agrees with this. However, it points out that the implementation of the concerns - in particular the establishment of offender monitoring - is likely to require an amendment to the Federal Constitution.