What the White Ribbon Campaign says about

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN

SWITZERLAND

Table of Content
Domestic Violence.2
Workplace Violence...3
Stalking....4
Rape and Sexual Harassment.5
Pornography...6
Prostitution and Human Trafficking7
Forced Marriage and Honor Killings.....8
Female Genital Mutilation....9
Sources.10

1
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon Campaign says about

Domestic Violence
Definition
We are in the presence of domestic violence when a person engages in or threatens to engage in
physical, mental, or sexual abuse within a familial relationship, spousal relationship, marriage, or divorce.1
Manifestation
Domestic violence is manifested through physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse.2
Facts

In Switzerland, 1 in 5 women is a victim of physical or sexual abuse in her personal relationship.

Between 2000 and 2004, 176 people 14 years or older were killed in connection with a domestic
violence situation; 72% were women, 28% were men.3
Two thirds of women (65.3%) seriously affected by domestic violence suffer from injuries as well as
psychological and psychosomatic problems as a consequence of the violence they suffered.4
Domestic violence occurs throughout the world, across all socioeconomic groups, cultural
backgrounds, and in every nationality, race, and religion.5
In Switzerland, it is estimated that domestic violence costs Public Finances approximately 400 million
francs per year.6
Why domestic violence?

Domestic violence is mainly used for two purposes: to deal with conflicts and exert systematic control
over another person.7
What all men can do to stop domestic violence

Wear the white ribbon and pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women
Challenge gender stereotypes
Inform yourself about gender equality in Switzerland on www.egalite-suisse.ch
Challenge negative representations of women in the media or in general
Join up with any person, group, or organization aimed at ending violence against women
Know the different laws in Switzerland dealing with domestic violence by consulting, for example, the
penal and civil codes

WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,

ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

2
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What the White Ribbon Campaign says about

Workplace Violence
Definition
Although the workplace should be a safe and protected place, a large number and wide variety of violence persists.
Here are two:
Mobbing
By mobbing, we mean abnormal behavior repeatedly directed towards an employee or group of
employees and leading to health and security risks8
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is characterized by discriminatory, unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, or any
other behavior based on gender, which affects the dignity of the person in his or her workplace9
Manifestation
Mobbing takes the form of insults, exclusion, humiliation, and the like10. Sexual harassment in turn takes the form of
eye contact, unwanted physical contact, forced sexual encounters, etc. 11
Facts

Mobbing can result in dramatic consequences such as psychological, psychosomatic, and behavioral
disorders.12
The victims of mobbing become less and less productive in all areas of life.13
Mobbing has extremely costly consequences for companies and the Swiss economy in general.14
In Switzerland, 28% of women and 10% of men have endured some form of sexual harassment over the
course of their professional life or felt bothered by such behavior.15
Men are by far more likely than women to be the perpetrators of inappropriate behavior.16
Why workplace violence?

Violence in the workplace results from a combination of factors including the individual, the environment, working
conditions, relationships between employees, relationships with customers, and, finally, the relationship between the
management and employees.17
What all men can do to stop violence in the workplace

Wear the White Ribbon and pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women
Know the different Swiss laws regarding mobbing in the workplace at http://www.mobbingzentrale.ch/mobdroit.htm
Know the Swiss laws regarding sexual harassment, such as LEg art. 4 and 5, LTr art. 6, CO art. 328, al. 1,
CP art. 193 and 198 18
Consult www.non-c-non.ch
Work with your union to create a work environment free of violence against women
WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,
ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

3
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon campaign says about

Stalking
Definition
Today, this concept refers to the purposeful and repeated persecution and harassment of a person,
threatening his or her physical or mental state by causing him/her harm, directly or indirectly, in the short
or long term. Stalking varies in severity, ranging from insistent attention to prolonged psychological
terrorism. It is not uncommon for cases of stalking to result in physical or sexual assault or even murder of
the victim ().19
Manifestation
Stalking manifests itself in different ways from following the victim throughout the day, stealing the victims
mail and reading it, breaking into their home, etc.20
Facts

80% of the victims are female

80% of the aggressors are male
In most cases, the aggressor is known by the victim
Stalking can lead to serious problems including psychological complications (feelings of helplessness,
anxiety, etc.) or physical issues21
Why stalking?

The perpetrators are mainly men, most of whom are facing a break-up or are enamored of their victim.22

What all men can do to end stalking

Wear the White Ribbon and pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about
violence against women
Support women and take them seriously when filing a complaint
Know article 28b of the Swiss Civil Code at http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/210/a28.html
Join organizations and websites aimed at supporting women who have been victims of stalking
Call the police (117) and consult the website www.egalite-suisse.ch

WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,

ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

4
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon campaign says about

Rape and Sexual Harassment

Definition
Sexual Harassment
Any conduct of a sexual nature that is undesired, unilateral, and inappropriate and is insulting to the
person. It causes that person to feel threatened, humiliated, or embarrassed.23
Rape
Rape is an assault with penetration that impedes the sexual integrity of the victim. It always involves
coercion, whether physical (by surprise, use of force, use of weapons, etc.), chemical (use of alcohol, drugs,
medicines, etc.), or psychological (blackmail, pressure, threats, control, etc.).24
Manifestation
Sexual harassment occurs in many different forms. Examples include looks, letters, unwanted physical
contact, sexual intercourse under duress, etc.25
Facts

In Switzerland, 28% of women and 10% of men experience sexual harassment over the course of their
professional career or felt bothered by such behavior.26
Men are much more likely to be perpetrators of potentially intrusive behavior in comparison to
women.27
In 2008, 512 acts of rape were filed with the Swiss police.28
Why sexual harassment and rape?

Men that rape and commit sexual assault do so to gain power and control. It is not about sexual
gratification.29
What men can do to stop rape and sexual harassment?

Wear the white ribbon and pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women.
Know the different Swiss laws regarding sexual harassment, such as LEg art. 4, CP art. 193 and 198
Know the different Swiss laws regarding rape, including article 190 of the CP 30
Consult www.non-c-non.ch to inform yourself about sexual harassment
Consult http://www.viol-secours.ch/ to inform yourself about rape

WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,

ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

5
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon Campaign says about

Pornography
Definition
Pornography is defined as the representation in books, magazines, photographs, films, and other media of scenes
of sexual behavior that are erotic or lewd and designed to arouse sexual interest. 31
Manifestation
Pornography exists in a multitude of different forms including films, magazines, pictures, etc.32
Facts

The expansion of the porn industry has direct consequences on trafficking of women and forced prostitution
The sex industry helps prorogate the spread of HIV and STDs
Pornography impacts couples, families, and more importantly the development of young peoples personality.33
20 men out of 100 regularly frequent pornographic websites34
4.2 million pornographic websites are present on the Web
The pornography industry on the Web generated 97 billion US$ in 2006
79% of young people are accidentally exposed to pornography on the web while browsing the Internet at
home 35
Pornography often leads to violence, loss of self-esteem in women who suffer the backlash, the break-up of
couples and in some cases may lead to poverty.36
Pornography reinforces negative stereotypes about men and masculinity and makes assumptions about sexuality
and desires.37
Why Pornography?

Pornography has become so widespread because of the high demand which makes it one of the most lucrative
businesses in the world.

What all men can do to stop the Pornography Industry

Wear the white ribbon and pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women
Ask critical questions about the effects of pornography on women, men, girls, and boys
Consult article 197 of the Swiss Penal Code38
Before purchasing any magazines, videos or music that portray women in a degrading or violent
manner, recognize that violence against women is a form of discrimination and a violation of their right
to dignity.

WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,

ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!

6
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon campaign says about

Prostitution and Human Trafficking

Definition
Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. People are recruited by an intermediary or by the
interested party to exploit the person.39
Prostitution

Prostitution is defined as any person who consents to a sexual act or any other act of sexual nature in
exchange for money or other material benefits. 40
Manifestation

Human trafficking appears in many different forms. Some examples are sexual exploitation (prostitution
pornography, etc.), organ removal, or forced labor.41
Facts

In the world 600000 to 2,4 millions people are victims of human trafficking per year, with women and
children being the primary target group for traffickers
In Switzerland, the Federal police office estimates that between 1'500 and 3'000 women and children
are victims of human trafficking42
In Switzerland, prostitution is legal 43
In 2005, 14'000 people were registered as prostitutes
In 2007, the Swiss Federal police office estimated the sex industry at 3,2 billion CHF per year
The number of prostitutes working in Zurich increased by 20% from 2003 to 200544
Immigrant women represent a significant percentage of the population working in the European sex
industry, constituting up to 80%45
Why human trafficking?

Human trafficking is used to exploit its victims, and is one of the most lucrative sectors of organized
crime.46
What men can do to end prostitution and human trafficking

Wear the white ribbon and pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women
Consult websites such as http://www.aids.ch/f/ and www.humanrights.ch to get more information
about human trafficking and prostitution
Challenge friends who buy sex and encourage them to change their habit
Consult article 195 of the Swiss Penal code http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/311_0/a195.html

WHILE SOME MEN ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,

ALL MEN CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTON!
7
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon campaign says about

Forced Marriage and Honor Crimes

Definition
Forced Marriage
There is a forced marriage when the marriage is carried out without the free consent of one or both parties.47
Honor Killings
The honor crimes committed against women in the name of honor is a mode of violenceincluding murder as
the most extreme formagainst women by their families. This is the punishment for an illicit relationship, real or
perceived, and/or immoral behavior such as an innocent conversation with a male neighbor. These families aim to
safeguard their honor by punishing the guilty, a crime similar to blood vengeance. 48
Manifestation
Forced marriage is carried out through threats, emotional blackmail, physical abuse, sexual or psychological abuse,
murder, etc.49 An honor punishment in turn manifests itself in various mutilations, acid burns, torture, threats, etc.50
Facts

In Switzerland, nearly 17'000 forced marriages have currently been contracted

One third of girls in forced marriages are minors and some are as young as 13 years-old
In 2005, the immigration police in Bern has recorded more than 80 cases of forced marriages based on foreign
legislation51
The Swiss penal code does not contain any provisions punishing forced marriages, which are nevertheless
regarded as a constraint and can therefore still be prosecuted ex officio52
The majority of honor killings are committed by the husband, father, or brother of the woman he considers to
be guilty53
The majority of honor killings go unpunished54
The UN estimates that 5,000 people in the world are victims of honor killings per year, but many claim that this
number is underestimated.55
Why forced marriages and honor killings?

Forced marriages are often caused by parents who think they are acting in the best interest of their children, a need
to satisfy the social norms of the community, and the view that women are an object to be controlled.56 Honor
crimes are usually committed in order to restore the family honor by punishment, to ensure that a woman does not
violate the sexual code of conduct in her community, and finally, to reinforce the concept that a women is an object
that ought to be controlled.57
What all men can do to end forced marriage and honor killings

W ear th e whi te ribbon and pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against
women
Report to the authorities any suspicion of an impending forced marriage or honor-based violence
Demand that the government provides more protection regarding honor killings and forced marriages.

W HI LE SO ME M E N ARE PART OF T HE PR OB LEM,

ALL M E N CA N B E P ART O F TH E SOL UT IO N!

8
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

What the White Ribbon campaign says about

Female Genital Mutilation

Definition
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) refers to a number of practices involving the total or partial
removal of a females genital organs.58
Manifestation
Female genital mutilation is practiced in three ways: Excision of the prepuce, with or without partial or
total excision of the clitoris; excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora and
partial or total excision of the external genitalia; and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening
(infibulation).59
Facts

Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world a girl is circumcised

In 2001, 6700 women in Switzerland were affected by female genital mutilation
In Switzerland, at least one in seven gynecologists and one in seven midwives had to treat a woman
who underwent circumcision in the course of their professional career
The women affected by FGM often suffer serious physical consequences such as infections, pain during
urination, pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse, complications in childbirth, etc.60
Why female genital mutilation?

Female genital mutilation is used for different purposes: sexual (to control or reduce female sexuality),
sociological (rite of passage or social inclusion), hygienic and aesthetic (cultural ideals), religious (beliefs),
and sanitary (some cultures believe it promotes fertility and child survival). 61

What all men can do to stop female genital mutilation

Wear the white ribbon and pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence
against women
Recognize that genital mutilation is a form of violence against women, not just a cultural practice
Inform yourself about the practice of genital mutilation and the consequences
Know the different Swiss laws dealing with female genital mutilation, such as consulting the Swiss Penal
Code
Collaborate with organizations working to eradicate female genital mutilation. http://www.ge.ch/egalite/

W HI LE SO ME M E N ARE PART OF T HE PR OB LEM,

ALL M E N CA N B E P ART O F TH E SOL UT IO N!

9
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

SOURCES
Be aware that most of the sources are in French

Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation: Violence domestique: dfinition, formes et
personnes touches (2007)
2 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation: Violence domestique: dfinition, formes et
personnes touches (2007)
3 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : La violence domestique en chiffres (2007)
4 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : La violence domestique en chiffres (2007)
5 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : La violence domestique en chiffres (2007)
6 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation: Violence domestique: dfinition, formes et
personnes touches (2007)
7
Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation: Violence domestique: dfinition, formes et
personnes touches (2007)
8 http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/en/pwh4f.pdf
9 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
10 http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/en/pwh4f.pdf
11 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
12 http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/en/pwh4f.pdf
13 http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/en/pwh4f.pdf
14 Secrtariat dEtat lconomie (SECO), Harclement psychologique ( mobbing ) et autres tensions sur le lieu de travail en
Suisse (2002)
15 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
16 S. Strubet et M. Schr Moser, Risque et ampleur du harclement sexuel sur le lieu de travail: une enqute reprsentative en
Suisse almanique et en Suisse romande (2008)
17 http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang-fr/WCMS_008847/index.htm
18 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
19 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : Stalking : le harclement obsessionnel
(2009)
20 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : Stalking : le harclement obsessionnel
(2009)
21 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : Stalking : le harclement obsessionnel
(2009)
22 Bureau fdral de lgalit entre femmes et hommes BFEG, Feuille dinformation : Stalking : le harclement obsessionnel
(2009)
23 http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/interpersonal/en/workplace_violence.fr.pdf
24 http://www.viol-secours.ch/
25 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
26 http://www.geneve.ch/egalite/doc/violence/harcelement-sexuel.pdf
27 S. Strubet et M. Schr Moser, Risque et ampleur du harclement sexuel sur le lieu de travail: une enqute reprsentative en
Suisse almanique et en Suisse romande (2008)
28 http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/fr/index/themen/19/03/02/key/02/straftaten_im_einzelnen.html
1

29
30

Fiche White Ribbon UK: http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/sites/all/files/Rape.pdf

http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/311_0/a190.html

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/pornography
http://www.parlament.ch/F/Suche/Pages/geschaefte.aspx?gesch_id=20063779
33 http://www.parlament.ch/F/Suche/Pages/geschaefte.aspx?gesch_id=20063779
31

32
34

35

http://www.femina.ch/psycho-famille/ciel-mon-mari-aime-le-porno?page=2
http://www.psycho-ressources.com/bibli/stats-pornographie.html

http://sisyphe.org/spip.php?article808
Fiche White Ribbon UK http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/sites/all/files/Pornography.pdf
38 http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/311_0/a197.html
39 http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/migr/hutraf.html
40 http://www.unige.ch/ses/socio/rechetpub/dernierespublications/sociograph6a/_sociograph_6a_final.pdf
41 http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/migr/hutraf.html
42 http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/migr/hutraf.html
36
37

43

http://www.unige.ch/ses/socio/rechetpub/dernierespublications/sociograph6a/_sociograph_6a_final.pdf

http://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/societe/La_tentation_des_ados_pour_la_prostitution.html?cid=524980
45 http://www.unige.ch/ses/socio/rechetpub/dernierespublications/sociograph6a/_sociograph_6a_final.pdf
46 http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/home/topics/migr/hutraf.html
44

10
Whi te Ri bbo n - Swi tzerlan d Campaig n , an initiative of WW SF , 11 av. de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva
Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch

SOURCES
Be aware that most of the sources are in French
http://www.ba.admin.ch/content/dam/data/gesellschaft/gesetzgebung/zwangsheirat/ber-br-zwangsheiraten-f.pdf
http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php?/amnesty/agir/campagnes/femmes/droits_des_femmes/crimes_d_honneur
49 http://www.ba.admin.ch/content/dam/data/gesellschaft/gesetzgebung/zwangsheirat/ber-br-zwangsheiraten-f.pdf
50 http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php?/amnesty/agir/campagnes/femmes/droits_des_femmes/crimes_d_honneur
51 http://www.ba.admin.ch/content/dam/data/gesellschaft/gesetzgebung/zwangsheirat/ber-br-zwangsheiraten-f.pdf
52 http://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/actualite/Lorsque_le_mariage_force_devient_un_calvaire.html?cid=6492026
53 http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php?/amnesty/agir/campagnes/femmes/droits_des_femmes/crimes_d_honneur
54 http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php?/amnesty/agir/campagnes/femmes/droits_des_femmes/crimes_d_honneur
47
48

55
56

http://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/societe/Geneve_leve_un_voile_sur_les_crimes_dhonneur.html?cid=7315336
http://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/actualite/Lorsque_le_mariage_force_devient_un_calvaire.html?cid=6492026

http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php?/amnesty/agir/campagnes/femmes/droits_des_femmes/crimes_d_honneur
http://www.unicef.org/french/protection/index_genitalmutilation.html
59 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2006/pr30/fr/index.html
60 http://assets.unicef.ch/downloads/Bericht_Umfrage_FGM_fr.pdf
61 http://www.unicef.org/french/protection/index_genitalmutilation.html
57
58

11
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Tel. : +41 (0 )22 738 82 48 Email: Me nE ngage@ wh ite- ri bbon.ch We bsi te: ww w.w hi te-ri bbo n.ch