Living safely together in Switzerland

Welcome!

The Swiss Federal Constitution outlines the fundamental rules for living together in Switzerland and takes precedence over all other laws. No other law may violate the Constitution.

All those living in Switzerland have rights and obligations that are granted under the Swiss Federal Constitution and by law. These apply independently of whatever political, religious, social or other beliefs or convictions a person may have.

The Federal Constitution enshrines the most important fundamental rights.

The following applies

Everyone is equal before the law. Discrimination and racism are forbidden.
Men and women have equal rights and determine their own lives.
Everyone is free to express their opinion, provided they do not insult, threaten or incite violence against others.
Everyone is free to choose their religion and practise their faith peacefully.

Booklet «Living safely together in Switzerland»

Poster «Living safely together in Switzerland»

Sexualised violence

Sexualised violence includes all forms of coerced sexual acts as well as conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s integrity. There are various forms of sexualised violence. For example:

Inappropriate physical closeness by a stranger on public transport
Inappropriate sexual contact by a superior
Unwanted images of a sexual nature from a classmate
Sexual acts by one spouse against the will of the other

The following applies

Physical closeness is okay only if both sides agree.
Sexual acts by adults with persons below the age of 16 are generally punishable by law.
There are no rules on how someone should dress or behave when out and about. Regardless of how a person dresses or whether they consume alcohol, dance, flirt or stay out late, such behaviour does not mean they want to be approached or touched.
Words, looks and gestures by themselves can be understood as a form of sexual harassment.
Just because someone does not resist doesn’t mean they agree to sexualised contact, touching, sex, etc. It is essential to first clarify whether the other person also wants to engage in a sexual act.

If you experience violence of a sexual nature

Go to a safe place.
Talk to someone you trust. This can be a teacher, the head of a centre, a doctor, or someone at a help centre or the police station.
Don’t change anything at the crime scene: don’t destroy any evidence.
- Don’t shower.
- Don’t tidy up or clean anything.
- And don’t wash the clothes you were wearing.
Arrange a medical examination (e.g. at the hospital) as soon as possible.