Domestic violence

All victims of domestic violence have at any time and in any situation the right to be protected and helped.

In Ticino, those who suffer violence at home are, in fact, always protected, regardless of whether this violence - physical, psychological, sexual - is exerted by spouses, cohabitants, parents, children, relatives, or people sharing the same household economy. In addition to telephone numbers for reporting an emergency to the Police, several offices and services are available. The Cantonal Police email [email protected] is also available for information and timely reports. 

Domestic Violence - Cantonal Portal

What can the victim do? No to silence

In a situation of immediate danger, the victim can request police intervention.

Those who beat or threaten can be removed

Victims have the right to be protected and helped.

Violence within the family is no longer a private matter and cannot be accepted, just as attempts to justify it by invoking the effects of alcohol or a stressful situation or by reacting to provocation are not accepted.

The responsibility for the violence always lies with the person exercising it, including minors.

The Police have the authority to remove a violent person from the home and prohibit his or her return for ten days.

Office of rehabilitation assistance for removed persons

People who have committed acts of domestic violence can get advice and support. Social workers in the service offer practical help with administrative paperwork, as well as listening and specific counseling to help them understand their violent behavior.
People who are removed from their homes and do not have a housing option may benefit from accommodation at the foyer run by the Ufficio dell'assistenza riabilitativa. Outside office hours, requests for counseling, support, and for accommodation can be directed to the Canton Police.

• Ufficio dell'assistenza riabilitativa
  Piazza Molino Nuovo 15
  6904 Lugano
  t. +41 91 815 78 78
  [email protected]
• Cantonal Police
  t. 117
  t. 112

Ufficio dell'assistenza riabilitativa (UAR)

General information

If minors are present or involved, the Police report their intervention to the ARP-Autorità regionale di protezione. The ARP has the authority to take protective measures. Anyone who notices acts of violence or threats can contact the Police.

The removal measure in a situation of serious danger is a decision of the Police, regardless of the victim's will. The Police shall collect the keys of the dwelling from the person removed, who must provide a temporary address where official documents can be delivered. The Police may remove any person they believe may pose a serious danger, even if they are the sole owner or tenant of the dwelling. The person removed may take with him or her personal belongings necessary for the duration of the removal: ID, clothes, medication, etc.

The ban on re-entry lasts for ten days and may be extended by the Praetor at the request of the victim of violence (Art. 28b of the Swiss Civil Code). Both the person removed and the victim must comply with the removal measure. The Police may conduct checks to verify that the removal is complied with. The removed person may not return to the home even if necessary. If he/she needs additional belongings, he/she may report to the domicile only in the presence of a Police officer.

If the removal decision is not complied with, the Police will remove the person in question again and initiate new criminal proceedings according to Article 292 of the Swiss Criminal Code for disobedience of authority decisions.

The VIDO+ Prevention Project

The Police of the City of Lugano - in collaboration with the Socialità Division, the Cantonal Police and the Consultorio familiare of Lugano - launched the VIDO+ project in 2023 to intervene in situations of family distress and prevent degeneration into domestic violence. The goal of VIDO+ is to help intercept, contain and reduce distress in the family environment by offering structured and continuous accompaniment to families, with the introduction of new measures aimed at mitigating conflict situations.

The main measures include monitoring cases without a crime, offering mediation services to the parties involved, and offering counseling to members of the family unit. The project provides for the deployment in the area of family distress cases of operational resources according to the principles of proximity, partnership and coordination.

VIDO+: a prevention project in the area of family distress