Istanbul Convention
The Istanbul Convention obliges Switzerland to prevent violence against women and to protect victims. The FCWI is committed to ensuring that the 2022-2026 national action plan is implemented effectively.
Contents of the Convention
The Istanbul Convention is a 2011 Council of Europe treaty to protect women and girls from violence. The Convention came into force in Switzerland on 1 April 2018. Despite the adoption of numerous measures, its implementation is incomplete – violence against women remains a reality today.
Under the Convention, violence against women and domestic violence are considered human rights violations. By ratifying the convention, Switzerland has committed itself to preventing and combating these forms of violence.
The Convention encompasses the following fields of action: prevention, protection, criminal prosecution and coordinated action. Its aims:
- to prevent and reduce violence against women and domestic violence
- to protect and support victims of violence
- to prosecute offences and hold perpetrators of violence accountable
- to coordinate its implementation at all federal levels and in consultation with civil society organisations
The Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) is the national coordination office.
In 2022, the Federal Council adopted the 2022-2026 National Action Plan for the implementation of the convention. It contains 44 specific measures by the Confederation, cantons and communes, divided into three main issues:
- Informing the public and raising public awareness
- Providing training for professional staff and volunteers
- Preventing and combating sexualised violence
More on this subject (available in German, French, Italian):
Statement by the FCWI
Switzerland’s accession to the Istanbul Convention (2015)
The FCWI expressly welcomed the planned accession. By acceding to the Convention, Switzerland sent out an important signal that combating violence against women was a priority for the Confederation and cantons.
More on this subject (available in German):
Revision to the Victim Support Act (2025)
The partial revision of the Victim Support Act aims to improve victim support services. Victims of violence throughout Switzerland should have free access to forensic examinations, regardless of whether criminal proceedings are initiated. With this revision, Switzerland has implemented Article 25 of the Istanbul Convention.
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