EQUALITY PREVENTS VIOLENCE: first national campaign to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence

On 11 November 2025, the first national campaign to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence was launched, promoted by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), in collaboration with the Confederation, cantons, municipalities and numerous civil society organisations.

The campaign — titled “Equality Prevents Violence” — is based on the principle that equality and mutual respect are fundamental protective factors against abuse, exploitation and coercion. Power imbalances and economic or emotional dependency are among the highest-risk factors.

Context and objectives of the campaign
In 2024, according to official data, the Swiss police recorded 21,127 offences related to domestic violence: a 6% increase compared to the previous year, accounting for around 40% of all reported crimes. About 70% of the victims are women. Moreover, more than half of the homicides committed in Switzerland occur in a domestic setting — a figure that makes intervention even more urgent.

The campaign will run over several years and will be implemented in three phases: initially targeting victims, then people close to them — such as friends, family members and acquaintances — and finally people who are violent or at risk of becoming violent, with the aim of promoting awareness, prevention and change.

Information, advice and support for those seeking help are available at senza-violenza.ch. Starting from May 2026, a national helpline — 142 — will be activated to offer assistance at any time.

On the campaign website — senza-violenza.ch — you can find information, advice and support tailored to your situation: for those experiencing violence, for those who want to help others, and also for people who wish to reflect on their own behaviour and prevent violent actions from the outset.
It is also possible to request online, telephone or in-person counselling, thanks to support centres available across Switzerland depending on the canton.
In addition, the website offers downloadable materials useful for institutions, organisations and associations that wish to promote the campaign and raise awareness within their communities.

Starting from May 2026, a national helpline — 142 — will be activated to offer immediate support at any time.

Through its Equal Opportunities Service, USI supports the campaign, which will be visible on all social media channels and through posters and information material on the Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona campuses and in the spaces of L'Ideatorio and Casa della sostenibilità.

The campaign themes, together with the initiative linked to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, were presented on the evening of Thursday 4 December with a screening of the documentary ‘The Dark Pandemic’. The film addresses the issue of domestic violence in Switzerland, with a particular focus on the period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. The title itself refers to the dual nature of the phenomenon: “dark” because it is hidden within the home, and “dark” in the sense that it is a painful and negative daily reality for many people.

The evening was enriched by contributions from director Paola Ghilseri, Myriam Proce, Institutional Coordinator for Domestic Violence at the Justice Division, and Kim Savoy from the Victim Support Service (LAV). The speakers explored the topic in depth during a round table discussion, offering an insight into the situation in Ticino. The discussion was moderated by Elisa Milani, senior lecturer and researcher at the SUPSI Centre of Competence in Applied Psychology.

Social media channels to follow the campaign:

• Instagram: @without-violence.ch
• Facebook: @without-violence.ch
• YouTube