Bern Parliament Approves Feminicide Category in Crime Statistics.

The parliament of the Swiss canton of Bern has approved a proposal to include feminicide as a separate category in official crime statistics, marking a significant step in how violence against women is recorded in Switzerland.

The motion was passed on Wednesday evening with a clear majority of 117 votes to 30. It was introduced by Green Party member Manuel C. Widmer and supported by politicians from multiple parties, including the Social Democrats and some members of the centre-right Radical-Liberals.

Supporters of the measure argue that violence against women is often underreported or treated as a private matter, leading to gaps in official data. By introducing feminicide as a distinct category, they aim to improve transparency and better understand the scale and nature of gender-based killings.

Under the definition proposed in the motion, feminicide refers to the killing of women or girls in the context of patriarchal gender-based violence. Advocates say that clear statistical recognition is essential for developing effective prevention policies and improving victim protection.

However, the decision has also sparked political debate. Members of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) have criticized the term feminicide, describing it as a politically charged concept that should not be included in official state statistics.

The cantonal government had previously expressed conditional support for the idea, stating that a standardized national definition is necessary before implementation. Authorities also noted that discussions are already underway at the federal level to harmonize data collection on violent crime.

The decision in Bern is seen as part of a broader European trend to improve the documentation of gender-based violence and strengthen policy responses to protect women and girls.

Switzerland Approves Plan to Strengthen Support for Violence Victims.

The Swiss House of Representatives has approved a new reform aimed at significantly improving support for victims of violence across the country. The proposal was backed by 139 votes to 55 and forms part of Switzerland’s broader efforts to address rising cases of violence against women.

The approved measures guarantee better access to forensic medical care and expand emergency accommodation services nationwide. Lawmakers emphasized that victims should receive independent medical documentation of injuries, even if no immediate criminal complaint is filed.

Under the new framework, forensic evidence will be collected and preserved independently of criminal investigations. This approach allows victims more time to decide whether they want to pursue legal action. Forensic records will be stored for at least 15 years, while physical evidence will be retained for a minimum of five years.

The reform also aims to address significant regional differences in victim support services across Switzerland’s cantons. Authorities noted that access to emergency shelters currently varies depending on location, creating unequal protection for victims.

Social Democratic Party representative Jessica Jaccoud, speaking on behalf of the parliamentary committee, stressed that access to emergency accommodation should not depend on where a person lives. She highlighted the need for consistent national standards to ensure fair and equal support for all victims.

The new legislation is part of a wider national strategy to strengthen victim protection systems, improve coordination between cantons, and ensure that individuals affected by violence receive timely and reliable assistance.