Domestic violence incidents in Switzerland are on the rise, with over 21,000 cases reported in 2024-a roughly 6% increase from the previous year. New data from the Federal Statistical Office reveals disparities in reported offenses based on nationality, prompting debate over the root causes of this issue and the appropriate policy responses. While men, and particularly foreign men, are more frequently accused of perpetrating domestic violence, the discussion extends to funding for preventative programs and the potential impact of immigration policies [[1]].
- In Switzerland, foreign men are most often accused of domestic violence.
- The rate of reported incidents involving foreign women is also higher than that of Swiss men.
- The Swiss People’s Party attributes this to immigration, while the Social Democratic Party argues domestic violence is a multifaceted issue.
Domestic violence cases continue to rise in Switzerland, with police registering over 21,000 incidents in 2024 – a roughly 6% increase from the previous year, according to police crime statistics.
New figures released by the Federal Statistical Office reveal which demographic groups are most frequently accused of domestic violence in the country. The data shows that foreign women are reported as perpetrators at a higher rate than Swiss men.
Debate Over Prevention Funding
A debate over funding for preventative programs erupted during budget discussions last December. After an initial rejection of increased funding, SP National Councilor Tamara Funiciello launched a campaign that successfully secured additional resources for women’s protection.
However, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) accused the left of seeking more funding while overlooking the issue of crimes committed by foreign nationals. SVP National Councilor Pascal Schmid subsequently requested specific data from the Federal Council regarding the frequency of domestic violence offenses committed by Swiss and foreign citizens.
An analysis of that data reveals that men are more frequently suspected of domestic violence than women, and foreign nationals more often than Swiss citizens. The figures represent the number of accused individuals per 10,000 inhabitants within each population group in 2024:
- Swiss women: 4.4
- Swiss men: 12.6
- Foreign women: 13.2
- Foreign men: 33.3
“Primarily a Migration Problem”
SVP politician Schmid highlighted the fact that the rate of reported incidents involving foreign women exceeds that of Swiss men. “This proves that domestic violence is not simply a male problem, but primarily a migration problem,” he told “Blick”.
Instead of broadly accusing Swiss men, Schmid argued, the focus should be on immigration policies. He explained: “We need to put a stop to immigration from cultures that have a completely different attitude towards women and do not know what equality means.”
The SVP is proposing legislation to expand the list of offenses that would trigger mandatory deportation, seeking to ensure that “all official offenses in the domestic sphere” result in expulsion. This move underscores the party’s firm stance on immigration and crime.
“Violence is Multidimensional”
SP National Councilor Funiciello criticized the SVP’s position, stating, “The SVP once again shifts responsibility onto a group instead of rethinking its own role models and seeking solutions that address society as a whole.”
Several factors contribute to domestic violence, including experiencing or witnessing violence in childhood. Socioeconomic status also plays a role, with financial difficulties stemming from low wages or cramped living conditions – issues that disproportionately affect foreign nationals – increasing the likelihood of conflict. “Violence is multidimensional,” Funiciello said. “It must be combatted on all levels, now and regardless of where it comes from.”
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Alessia Rambaldi (ram) has worked for 20 Minuten since 2024. After an internship in the Bern department, she moved to the news desk in May 2025.
