Switzerland currently does not have a free, nationwide, 24-hour telephone number through which victims of violence can receive initial advice. However, the Istanbul Convention to Prevent and Combat Violence against Women and Domestic Violence requires States Parties to establish such a number. Three motions referred by Parliament to the Federal Council demand the same.
Against this background, the federal government and the cantons have committed themselves in the Domestic Violence Roadmap to setting up a central telephone number for victims of violent crimes. From November 1, 2025, a three-digit short number will be introduced throughout Switzerland.
According to the guidelines of the Conference of Cantonal Social Directors, the cantons are responsible for ensuring 24-hour counseling services in their area. The Zurich government council has therefore commissioned the experienced “Victim Advice Zurich”, which has been working in the canton for many years, to set up and operate the central telephone number in the canton of Zurich. For this purpose, the “Victim Advice Zurich” will set up a separate department.
Improve accessibility
The canton of Zurich has a very broad and qualified victim counseling service, which includes eight recognized bodies.
However, due to the high level of specialization of the positions, it is not always easy for those affected by violence to quickly find the right offer. With the central telephone number, victim support can improve its accessibility. This means that people affected by violence receive initial information around the clock, 365 days a day, and can then be quickly referred to the victim advice center or institution that is suitable for them. If it is an emergency, the victim advice center responds with crisis intervention.
“For many of those affected, calling the central telephone number is the first contact with victim support,” says government councilor Jacqueline Fehr, head of the Justice and Home Affairs Directorate. “It is all the more important that those affected can trust during this initial contact.” Particularly in the case of domestic violence, rapid, trustworthy and professional support can prevent high follow-up costs for society.
In order for the three-digit telephone number to be introduced, the Federal Council must decide on the necessary changes to the ordinance. He will do this by mid-2025 at the latest. Then it will also be known what the new number is.
