Switzerland Expands Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign.

The Swiss government has officially launched the second phase of its national campaign against domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. The new stage focuses on increasing public awareness of available support services, particularly the nationwide victim support hotline, 142, which has been available 24 hours a day, seven days a week since May 2026.

The campaign is led by Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and builds upon the first phase introduced in late 2025. According to the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), the objective is to ensure that prevention messages and support resources reach as many people as possible across Switzerland.

A significant expansion of the campaign has been made possible through additional funding approved by Parliament. The initiative is supported by the federal government, cantonal authorities, municipalities, and numerous civil society organizations.

Two important new topics have been added to the campaign. One focuses on children who are exposed to domestic violence within their homes, while the other highlights the growing issue of digital surveillance and online control within abusive relationships. These themes will be promoted through a nationwide poster campaign and informational materials available in 13 languages.

Domestic violence remains a serious concern in Switzerland. Police recorded approximately 22,000 domestic violence-related offences during 2025. Authorities also reported 34 domestic violence-related homicides during the same year. Among those victims, 21 people lost their lives in the context of a current or former intimate relationship, including 19 women and two men.

Swiss authorities hope the expanded campaign will encourage more victims and witnesses to seek help, raise awareness of available support services, and contribute to reducing violence across the country.