Women’s shelters

Switzerland is desperately short of places in women’s shelters

The recent report by SRF (Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen) highlights an alarming reality: women’s shelters full to bursting, a lack of coordination between the cantons, and a political promise to combat domestic violence that often goes unheeded.

The Federal Council and several cantons have recognised the importance of combating domestic violence. In 2018, Switzerland also ratified the Istanbul Convention. But the resources needed to protect victims are not forthcoming. Until sufficient resources are allocated to provide safe accommodation, it is the women and their children who will pay the price.

However, effective approaches exist elsewhere, such as in France, where judicial observation centres place the perpetrators of violence under surveillance while allowing the family to remain in the home. Swiss policies could benefit from a closer look at these models.

Here are some figures from the DAO’s (Dachorganisation der Frauenhäuser Schweiz und Liechtenstein) 2023 activity report: