Violence is always wrong – whether it is clearly in the law or not. This is true even if criminal law treats certain acts differently.
If you use violence, you risk not only punishment. You hurt people close to you. You lose trust. Maybe also your home, contact with your children, your reputation.
«I lost control. Now I deal with the consequences every day.»
«When the police came, half the neighborhood found out. After that, I was the guy who ‘does that.’»
How does the police react?
The police intervene when they learn of an incident, even without a report. They can order you to leave. That means: you must leave the apartment, not the affected person. They can also forbid you from entering a certain area or approaching the person you harmed. This can apply for several days or weeks. The police can also involve KESB (Child and Adult Protection Authority) if children are affected.
«I never thought KESB would come. That someone would tell me I cannot see my child anymore – it broke me.»
«I told the police it was a misunderstanding. But it wasn’t.»
What does the law say about domestic violence?
In Switzerland, criminal law distinguishes between two types of offenses: official offenses and request-based offenses.
Official offenses are automatically prosecuted by the police and public prosecutor, regardless of whether a report is filed. These include:
- Bodily harm: When someone is injured or their health is harmed, e.g., by punching, choking, breaking an arm.
- Repeated assaults: Multiple physical attacks without visible injuries, e.g., slapping, pushing, pulling hair.
- Threats: Threatening violence or harm to apply pressure, e.g., «If you leave, something will happen.»
- Coercion: Forcing someone, e.g., with violence or threats, to do something they do not want, e.g., unlocking a phone, not leaving the apartment, giving money.
- Attempted or completed murder: When a person is intended to be killed or was killed, e.g., by suffocation, firearm, or knife attack. This is the most extreme form of relationship violence, mostly affecting women.
- Sexual coercion: Forcing someone into sexual acts with violence, threats, or psychological pressure.
- Rape: Forcing someone into sexual intercourse.
«I showed my child how to make fear. I wish I could undo that.»
«I regret what I did. I never thought it would have such consequences.»
Request-based offenses are prosecuted if the affected person files a report. These include:
- Single assaults: Physical attacks, e.g., a slap, push, pulling hair.
- Property damage: Deliberately destroying something, e.g., scratching a car, breaking electronics, damaging furniture.
- Trespassing: Unauthorized entry into an apartment, house, or property, e.g., during stalking.
Insults: Publicly insulting someone, through words, gestures, or actions.
«I downplayed it. It wasn’t that bad. But the court saw it differently.»
«I realized only late how much I hurt.»
If you have been violent, you may be sent by the police or court to a learning program or counseling. You can also take action yourself and volunteer. This shows responsibility, has a positive influence on potential legal proceedings, and creates a foundation to prevent further violence.
Because it is clear: what you did cannot be undone. But you can make sure you do not do it again. Getting help for this is the right step.
