National mobilization against violence against women
Published: Friday, Nov 22nd 2024, 11:40
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The "16 days against violence against women" campaign will begin next week with a national solidarity rally against violence against women in Bern on Saturday. The organizers reminded the media on Friday that, on average, a woman is killed by her partner every two weeks in Switzerland.
This year, the violence prevention campaign is focusing on "Ways out of violence". The aim is to shed light on what it takes to prevent violence and support those affected by violence in leading a life free of violence, according to a statement from the Feminist Peace Organization (Frieda).
Frieda coordinates the programme of over 200 partner organizations throughout Switzerland. Panel discussions, readings, film screenings, street actions and digital campaigns will take place during the action days from November 25 to December 10.
The events aim to provide information, raise public awareness and publicize support services for those affected by violence. They are part of an international campaign that was launched in 1991.
Although experiences of violence are individual, prevention and combating it must be collective, the organization emphasizes. The decisive factor is how society reacts to violence - this influences whether violence is prevented and those affected are supported.
"The fight against gender-based violence must not just be an occasional priority, but a permanent obligation," Tamara Funiciello, Bernese SP National Councillor and Co-President of SP Women Switzerland, is quoted as saying. She calls on the federal government and the cantons to assume their responsibility.
Psychological violence, stalking, femicide
According to Frieda, gender-specific violence manifests itself in various forms: psychological violence, stalking and femicides (murders of women and girls).
49,055 counseling sessions were conducted by victim support centers last year, according to Frieda. And more and more are needed. Only a small proportion of cases of violence appear in the statistics. Many victims do not turn to a counseling center for fear of stigmatization or lack of accessibility.
The often underfunded support structures are also struggling to meet the growing needs of victims. Frieda and the other organizations are therefore calling for more places in women's shelters and measures for further training and awareness-raising on gender-based violence for professionals and volunteers who work with people.
©Keystone/SDA
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