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»

What to do in case of violence

All forms of violence count as a criminal offence in Switzerland – regardless of whether they happen in public or at home within the family. Here are some recommendations to protect and support you.

The following applies

Victims of violence are not responsible for what happened. The perpetrator alone carries the blame.

Ask for help. In an emergency, call 117. Talk to someone at a help centre or the police, even if the act of violence occurred some time ago.

During an act of violence

If an act of violence is committed against you, try to do the following:

Inform the police by calling 117 if it’s an emergency. Doing too much is better than doing too little.
Keep your distance from the perpetrator and remain friendly.
Directly ask others for help or draw attention to yourself; for example, by saying: “You in the red jacket, call the police.”

After an act of violence

Don’t change anything at the crime scene: don’t destroy any evidence.
- Don’t tidy up or clean anything.
- And don’t wash the clothes you were wearing.
Ask your family doctor or hospital to document any injuries as quickly as possible (within 72 hours). Such documentation counts as important evidence.
Get help. Contact a help centre or the police (call the 117 emergency number or a police station of your choice).
Help centres or police stations will assist you free of charge.
You can contact a help centre without informing the police.
People without proper residence status also have the right to advice.
You have the right to an interpreter if language is a problem.

Assistance from a help centre

Various help centres will support you if you have experienced violence (see last page). They will:

listen to you,
explain your rights and the legal procedure that may follow,
provide psychological help and
take you to the police if you wish.

You can contact a help centre without the police being notified. Help centres must ask you for permission before they contact the police.

Getting help from the police

If you want to report a crime to the police or file a complaint, you can go in person to any police station in Switzerland.

A police officer there will question you about the incident and note down your answers. This can be stressful, depending on the situation.
You have the right to get advice from a help centre and bring someone you trust with you.
If the incident involves sexual violence, you will be interviewed by someone of your gender if possible.
Take any evidence, such as photos, clothing, etc., with you and make it available to the police.
You have the right to an interpreter if language is a problem.

Serious incidents will be investigated even if someone other than the victim has informed the police. The public prosecutor or the court will decide on the punishment.