Number 142: a new helpline for victims of violence in Switzerland

Starting from 1 May 2026, the 142 number is active throughout Switzerland — a central helpline dedicated to victims of physical, psychological and sexual violence. It is a free service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, designed to offer listening, counselling and guidance to anyone who has experienced violence in either the private or public sphere, as well as to people close to them.

The initiative has deep roots in the European and federal regulatory framework. In 2018, Switzerland ratified the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Since then, several key milestones have followed: in 2021, three federal parliamentary acts, the presentation of the National Roadmap on Domestic Violence by the Confederation and the Cantons, and — in Ticino — the Cantonal Action Plan on Domestic Violence promoted by the Council of State. The guidelines of the feasibility study, approved by the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs (CDOS), laid the groundwork for the creation of this three-digit number, easy to remember and immediately recognisable.

When calling 142, the response is structured on three levels:

1. The first concerns crisis intervention, reserved for exceptional situations of imminent danger, with the possibility — subject to the person's consent — of redirecting the call to 117 (Police), 144 (Emergency Medical Services) or shelters available in the area.
2. The second level provides specialised basic counselling, delivered in accordance with the Federal Act on Assistance to Victims of Crime (LAV).
3. The third is a triage function: receiving the caller, assessing the situation and referring them to the most appropriate existing services in the area.

In Ticino, during office hours (08:30–17:00, working days), calls are handled by the Service for Assistance to Victims of Crime (SLAV). Outside office hours and on public holidays, the response is guaranteed by the Ticino Cantonal Federation of Ambulance Services (FCTSA), which also provides the service for Italian-speaking residents of the Canton of Graubünden. 

It is important to emphasise that 142 is not an emergency number. It does not include call geolocation and does not allow the direct dispatch of emergency response services. In the event of immediate danger, you should contact the Police (117) or the emergency medical service (144) directly.

The 142 number complements the services already in place, such as shelters (Casa delle Donne, Casa Armònia), Telefono Amico (143) and Pro Juventute (147), strengthening the network of protection and counselling available to victims. The service guarantees confidentiality, anonymity and privacy.

From 1 June 2026, the 142 number will be promoted as part of a national campaign for the prevention of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, accompanied by the distribution of informational materials aimed at both the general public and professionals in the field.

The 142 number represents a concrete step in the fight against violence: a uniform, accessible and always available channel, managed by trained and qualified staff. For those who experience violence, finding the courage to ask for help is often the hardest step. This number aims to be a door that opens at precisely that moment, offering listening and support in full respect of each person's needs and choices.

Useful numbers:

• 142 — Victim support helpline (active from 1 May 2026, 24/7, free of charge)
• 117 — Police
• 144 — Emergency Medical Services
• 143 — Telefono Amico
• 147 — Pro Juventute
• Casa delle Donne — 078 624 90 70
• Casa Armònia — 0848 33 47 33