National conference on sexualised violence
Bern, 14.11.2023 - This year's National Conference on Violence is dedicated to the topic of sexualised violence. Around 450 experts met in Bern today to discuss the background to this form of violence and suitable measures to combat it. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider opened the conference organised by the Federal Office for Gender Equality.
Sexualised violence refers to unwanted behaviour that violates boundaries in a sexual context. It takes various forms and can range from unwanted catcalling to physical assault. Women and girls are affected more often than men. An analysis conducted by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in 2022 showed that over 90 per cent of people who experience sexual harassment are female, while the perpetrators are almost exclusively men. Unequal power relations and persistent gender stereotypes are among the reasons for this imbalance, according to the study.
The National Conference on Violence addresses this social problem. At today's event in Bern, measures, developments and forms of intervention were presented and possible courses of action discussed. In her opening address, justice minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider reminded the attendees that support for victims of domestic and sexual violence is a priority for the federal authorities.
The conference looked at some of the amendments to legislation on sex offences that were passed by the Swiss parliament this year. The situation abroad was also considered, more specifically in Sweden, where sexual offences legislation has included the consent solution (‘only yes means yes') since 2018. Innovative approaches to the prevention of violence, such as in the area of media reporting, youth work, the cultural sector or towards people with disabilities, were discussed. A new section on the Federal Statistical Office's (FSO) website on the topic of sexualised violence was also presented.
The National Conference on Violence is taking place for the ninth time and is organised by the FOGE, which is the national coordination centre for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Previous conferences have dealt with topics such as threat management, stalking, domestic violence in child and adult protection and public health.
Address for enquiries
Federal Office for Gender Equality
Schwarztorstrasse 51
3003 Bern
Publisher
Federal Office for Gender Equality
https://www.ebg.admin.ch/en
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
