The year 2023 was heavy in terms of domestic violence in Geneva. The number of reported cases, almost 2,000, is up 11%, the highest in 10 years. The canton presented an action plan Thursday morning.
In total, 1,939 offenses were recorded last year in the canton of Geneva. Part of the increase is due to the fact that this violence is better detected, because the population and institutions, in particular the police, are better aware. But according to the canton, this does not explain everything: there would indeed be a real increase in violence.
According to these figures, whether it is psychological, sexual or economic violence, the pattern is almost always the same: 84% of the perpetrators are men and 88% of the victims are women. The vast majority of perpetrators are partners or ex-partners. Furthermore, 12% of cases concern children.
Awareness, protection and coordination
The Geneva Council of State therefore wishes to react in the form of a four-point action plan, the first of which aims to raise awareness from an early age. Sex education lessons in schools will be strengthened, with an emphasis on consent. For adolescents who are experiencing their first romantic relationships, particular emphasis will be placed on couple violence.
“These courses are sometimes the subject of controversy or dispute, but they are an essential tool in terms of preventing abuse,” notes State Councilor Nathalie Fontanet. “The gendered dimension of violence appears from the age of 13 at the time of the first experiences as a couple with already a desire for control and insults.”
The second part concerns the protection of victims, which will be further strengthened. “We have launched several campaigns which allow victims to contact associations,” announced the president of the Council of State in the 12:45 p.m. An electronic bracelet project is being studied and psychological support will also be developed.
>> See also the subject of 12:45:
Better author support
Support for perpetrators of violence will also be strengthened to avoid repeat offenses. Because on this side, the situation has worsened: only 70% of attackers go to the socio-therapeutic interview.
This plan will be deployed until 2028. The canton finally recalls that the identified cases remain only the “tip of the iceberg”. He wants to launch a major survey of 10,000 people drawn at random, men and women, to better assess the scale of the submerged part.
Anouk Pernet/Camille Rivollet/jop
