Bernese authorities are facing increased pressure from left-wing political parties and advocacy groups to enhance measures against domestic violence. This comes as the canton proposes a new victim support strategy focusing on structural optimization, while critics demand more funding and resources to address a growing number of reported cases.
Key Takeaways
- Left-wing parties and advocacy groups in Bern call for increased funding to combat domestic violence.
- Regierungsrat Pierre Alain Schnegg proposes merging women's shelters and counseling centers for greater efficiency.
- A new bilingual girls' house is set to open in Biel this summer.
- Reported cases of domestic violence are on the rise, and a woman is killed every eleven days in Switzerland.
- Critics argue the proposed strategy is insufficient, emphasizing the need for more prevention and education.
Calls for Increased Funding and Resources
Green, SP, trade unions, and various specialized agencies in Bern are organizing a rally in front of the Rathaus. They demand more money for additional places in women's shelters, expanded counseling services for victims and perpetrators, and increased funding for prevention and awareness campaigns.
This local action mirrors a broader national debate recently initiated by SP politician Tamara Funiciello. The discussions revolve around the new cantonal victim support strategy, which is currently under review.
Domestic Violence in Numbers
- In 2024, victim support counseling centers provided 10,321 hours of counseling to 1,231 adult victims of violence.
- An average of five new cases are registered daily.
- Last year, 152 women and 161 children found shelter in a Bernese women's house.
- In Switzerland, a woman is killed every eleven days due to domestic violence.
Government Strategy Focuses on Efficiency
Pierre Alain Schnegg, the SVP Regierungsrat responsible for the Health, Social, and Integration Directorate (GSI), advocates for making women's shelters and counseling centers more efficient. His plan includes fusing the three organizations that currently operate these facilities in the Canton of Bern.
Initially, Schnegg's strategy heavily focused on perpetrators with a migration background. He has since moved away from this emphasis following resistance in the cantonal parliament, but maintains the plan for organizational fusion.
"Through structural optimization, these resources can be bundled, and more funds can directly flow into victim support," stated Gundekar Giebel, spokesperson for the GSI. He argued that the current structure leads to triple expenditures on administration, IT, and human resources for relatively small organizations.
New Initiatives and Training
Among the additional measures planned is the opening of a bilingual girls' house in Biel this summer. Furthermore, the canton intends to train pharmacy staff through an online module. This training aims to help them recognize victims of domestic violence and refer them to appropriate support services.
The Role of Victim Support
Victim support services play a crucial role in providing immediate help, counseling, and safe housing for individuals affected by domestic violence. These services often operate under significant pressure, managing high caseloads and providing essential protection.
Critics Argue Strategy is Insufficient
While the preparatory commission recommends adopting the new victim support strategy, a minority from the Green and SP parties describes it as "insufficient in key points." They highlight the urgent need for more protective spaces for women and expanded counseling services.
Seraina Patzen, a Green Grand Councillor, criticizes the government's approach. She states that instead of expanding services, Schnegg focuses on "cost efficiency" and "streamlining structures." Patzen emphasizes that both women's shelters and victim counseling centers are "completely stretched to their limits."
Emphasis on Prevention and Education
Critics also call for increased prevention efforts. They propose expanding and offering programs across the canton that address "violence-promoting masculinity norms." This proactive approach aims to tackle the root causes of violence.
The urgency of these demands is underscored by the rising number of registered domestic violence cases. The Stop Femizid project has already recorded five femicides in Switzerland for 2026, highlighting the severe consequences of this issue.
Debate Over Shelter Occupancy Rates
The occupancy rates in women's shelters are a contentious point. Last year, the shelters in Bern and Thun were at 90 percent capacity. The Conference of Cantonal Social Directors recommends a 75 percent occupancy rate. This lower figure allows for necessary flexibility to accommodate women with children in emergencies.
Regierungsrat Schnegg, however, considers a higher occupancy rate "justifiable." He suggests that high occupancy often results from a lack of follow-up solutions, such as suitable housing, rather than an insufficient number of shelter places.
To gain a precise occupancy statistic, the GSI commissioned economic auditors to analyze the women's shelters. The study found that the number of women in shelters in the Canton of Bern has decreased, but the average length of stay has increased. This means fewer women are staying longer, sometimes "beyond the acute danger situation."
Budget and Future Outlook
SVP Grand Councillor Andreas Michel believes the current services in the Canton of Bern are sufficient. He states that it is premature to claim additional needs. "If it turns out that the planned contributions are not enough, the Grand Council can later decide on additional funds," Michel commented.
In 2024, the canton allocated 10.5 million Swiss francs for victim support. The new girls' house and the operation of the central hotline will cost an additional 2.1 million Swiss francs annually, within a total budget of approximately 13 billion Swiss francs.
Personal Stories Highlight Need for Awareness
SP City Councillor Dominique Hodel, 35, shared her personal experience of living in a violent relationship for seven years. It began with stalking and constant control and eventually led to hospital stays. Hodel, who now speaks openly about her story, emphasizes the importance of quick and uncomplicated help.
"It would have helped me enormously if I or my surroundings had known where to get help," Hodel reflected. "I and my environment knew too little about the phenomenon at the time."
Hodel points out that while schools educated students about drugs, domestic violence was not a topic. She argues that education in schools is therefore extremely important. For Hodel, it is clear that without additional funds, domestic violence cannot be curbed. "This costs money initially, but these are investments that pay off in the long term."