Children are often not optimally protected in cases of intimate partner violence
Published: Monday, Jan 22nd 2024, 10:50
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In Switzerland, there is room for improvement in the protection of children who are exposed to parental partner violence. This is the conclusion of a new study by several universities and the Swiss Conference against Domestic Violence (SKHG).
There are various specific child protection and psycho-social support services, according to a statement from the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) on the study on Monday. However, those affected do not have access to such services in all cantons.
Parental partner violence is also only partially and not systematically investigated in separation, matrimonial protection and divorce proceedings. For example, joint parental custody is usually awarded even if there are indications of violence.
Cooperation between child and adult protection authorities and civil courts could also be better. Around 27,000 children are affected by parental partner violence in Switzerland every year. These children are "permanently exposed to a climate of fear" - with corresponding negative consequences.
Consequences of the Istanbul Convention
As a consequence of the study results, the authors recommend that the relevant professional groups receive training and further education on the effects of parental partner violence on children. This includes judges, lawyers and representatives of the authorities.
In addition, guidelines on the systematic investigation of parental partner violence in separation and divorce proceedings are to be introduced.
The study is part of Switzerland's National Action Plan to implement the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The study by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University of Fribourg and the "Haute Ecole et Ecole Supérieure de Travail Social" was published by the FOGE and the SKHG.
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