Mon, Feb 19th 2024
Over two decades, Swiss cantons have disbursed CHF 181 million in victim support, with a significant portion of applications receiving approval. The landscape of victim aid has evolved, showing trends and shifts in the nature of support provided.
From 2000 to 2022, Swiss cantons allocated a substantial CHF 181 million towards victim support, with 62% of the 26,013 filed applications. Despite the overall generous support, the yearly figures for compensation and reparations have seen ups and downs, with a noticeable decline post-2010.
The turn of the millennium saw 800 applications, a number that grew steadily until a peak in 2011, before witnessing a decline.
The type of aid provided has also seen a shift; immediate financial assistance was offered in 41% of cases at the survey’s start, dropped to 36% by 2022. More notably, long-term support saw a significant reduction, halving from 13% in 2000 to just 6% in 2022.
Victim demographics reveal that 84% of requests came directly from the victims themselves, with a majority being female and within the 30-64 age range. Swiss nationals made up 56% of the applicants, and a vast majority, 94%, were residents within Switzerland.
The nature of crimes leading to compensation predominantly involved assault, battery, homicide, robbery, sexual assault, and rape, making up 92% of all awarded compensations. A recurring theme in these cases was the prior acquaintance between the victim and the alleged perpetrator, which was the case in 73% of instances between 2000 and 2022, a figure that has slightly increased over time.
A noteworthy aspect is the dramatic surge in counseling sessions at victim support centers, which have tripled since the initial survey. From 15,521 sessions in 2000 to an overwhelming 46,542 in 2022, this increase underscores a growing need for support, with 90% of the crimes discussed allegedly perpetrated by men.
This 22-year overview sheds light on the pivotal role of cantons reimbursement in bolstering victim support, reflecting the evolving landscape of aid amidst changing societal dynamics.
©Keystone/SDA
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