True/false on violence

“To receive help in cases of physical, psychological, or sexual violence, I am required to file a complaint.”

FALSE.

There are numerous resources to assist if you have experienced or are experiencing violence. LAVI consultation centres in all cantons offer anonymous and free services to provide legal, psychological, social, or financial support. Additionally, many associations are available to offer support.

Note that certain violent acts, once reported to the police (by you or a third party), automatically trigger an investigation. A report can be filed without lodging a formal complaint. Acts such as violence against a person, threats, kidnapping or detention, endangerment, failure to render assistance, rape or sexual coercion, and incitement to prostitution are all offenses prosecuted automatically. The public prosecutor will seek to protect society and yourself from the perpetrator if the violence is confirmed. You may then be summoned as a witness unless you are related to the perpetrator, in which case you cannot be compelled to testify.

“Violence is an illness. People who commit violent acts don’t mean to; they are victims themselves.”

FALSE.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.

Violence is not an illness but rather an expression – through words, gestures, or actions – of a desire to dominate, control, belittle, or harm.

“I am partly to blame for the violence I have suffered.”

FALSE.

Regardless of your attitude, words, or appearance, nothing justifies someone infringing on your integrity.

A young woman wearing a mini-skirt or a low-cut top does not “provoke” men, nor is it any invitation for sexual relations. Similarly, a woman who accepts a drink from a man is not consenting to sexual relations with him. And an argument never justifies a man being violent towards his partner because he was “pushed too far.”

If this has happened to you, and you feel responsible for triggering the situation, or if others claim you “asked for it,” understand that you bear no blame, and the law is on your side.

“Violence is much more common than we think.”

TRUE.

According to a survey conducted in April 2019 by gfs.bern (N = 4’495), 22%¹ of women over 16 reported experiencing non-consensual sexual acts. Furthermore, a representative study by the Sotmo institute in autumn 2021 revealed that 42%² of women in Switzerland have suffered from intimate partner violence.

Extrapolating to the entire female population aged 16 and over in Switzerland (approximately 3.6 million, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics in 2019), this corresponds to:

¹ nearly 800,000 women

² over 1,500,000 women.

“If I was in a relationship with the person, it can’t really be considered sexual assault.”

FALSE.

Being or having been in a relationship with someone does not entitle them to engage in sexual acts with you without your consent. Your partner must ensure you consent to sexual activity, each and every time. Past consent does not imply perpetual consent.

Sexual consent means clearly and freely expressing one’s desire to engage in sexual activity, and it can be withdrawn at any time, even during the act.

“If I report the violence I’ve suffered, things will get worse afterwards.”

FALSE, if you have proper support.

If you experience domestic violence, discreetly contact the police and/or LAVI for assistance in avoiding any risk of escalation. Both are there to protect you. LAVI will ensure your safety, including emergency accommodation for you and your children, while the police will promptly take measures to prevent further violence (intervening with the perpetrator and enforcing restrictions).

Regardless of the type of violence reported or the progress of the investigation, if the perpetrator tries to intimidate or threaten you, the police are available 24/7 to intervene, so you can feel secure.

Rebuilding after experiencing trauma can be challenging. Here, too, it is important to be supported by a psychologist or psychotherapist.

“A violent man can hide it well.”

TRUE.

Domestic violence typically occurs behind closed doors, making it difficult for those around to detect. Furthermore, abusive partners are often skilled manipulators, presenting themselves socially as charming and pleasant individuals, making domestic violence all the harder to report, even to close family or friends.

Remember, professionals (LAVI, police, lawyers) are experienced with these situations, will believe you immediately, and are there to help.

“I am a victim of psychological violence, but it only happens at home, out of sight. It’s impossible to prove – it’s just my word against theirs.”

FALSE.

Psychological violence can take many forms: insults, humiliation, threats (to others or oneself), shouting, criticism, extreme jealousy, or neglect. Social violence (control or isolation) and economic violence (control/confiscation of financial resources or property, prohibiting/forcing work) are also forms of psychological violence.

Invisible though it may be, psychological violence is no less destructive for its victims, often causing serious psychosomatic disorders. This invisibility also makes it more challenging to establish in court than physical violence, but it does not mean it’s impossible to prosecute or that you should not act to stop it.

The Penal Code defines certain forms of psychological violence in articles 156 (extorsion), 173 à 177 (offence against personal honour), 180 (threatening behaviour), 181 (coercion), 183 et 184 (false imprisonment and abduction) ou encore 219 (neglect of duties of care, supervision or education).

If you have confided in a doctor or therapist about the violence you endure and its effects on your daily life, this can support your case in court.

In any case, you can contact a nearby LAVI consultation centre by phone (100% anonymous and free) to assess your situation. While not all cases of psychological violence fall under LAVI’s scope, they will direct you to other organisations that can support and assist you.

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