A further training course showed the extent of domestic violence and the extent to which it affects people. Professionals can rely on these facts in the prevention of violent crimes and also in the support of affected people. The event also made it clear how important it is for therapists to work closely with the victim support services in beider Basel.
On 25 September 2025, the Association of Psychologists of both Basel and Victim Support of both Basel jointly organized further training on the topic of domestic violence. The event, which was well attended with around 70 participants, strengthened the cooperation between the two institutions and once again demonstrated that thematic discussion, in-depth study and networking open up new possibilities in working with people affected by violence.
Facts for prevention
In the first part of the event, criminal law professor Nora Markwalder from the University of St. Gallen captivated the audience. Nora Markwalder and her team have succeeded in making the topics of femicide and domestic violence measurable. The comparative and developmental series on homicides in connection with domestic violence are impressive. In Switzerland, homicides outside of domestic violence have decreased significantly, but those in the context of domestic violence have remained fairly stable. As a result, the ratio has shifted strongly towards domestic violence offenses. This raises the question as to why some homicides are on the decline while others are not.
The studies and research findings reveal patterns and combinations of factors that enable fact-based prevention work. For example, they provide answers to questions such as how often alcohol or substance use was associated with the crime, the average age of the perpetrator, how often violence had previously occurred in the relationship or whether there had been a separation. The victim surveys from 2022 also show how domestic violence manifests itself in Switzerland and the extent to which victims are affected.
It was impressive to see how Nora Markwalder presented these facts and explanations with such passion and gave the issue of domestic violence a profile. She also showed how large the proportion of perpetrators and victims who have psychological problems is and how important therapeutic work is and will be more and more in this context. Thanks to such studies, it is possible in Switzerland to work on the issues of violence on the basis of facts. Examples include support and protection in the event of separation due to domestic violence or controls on the acquisition of firearms. And the results also help to refute undifferentiated manipulative claims.
Fast and uncomplicated support
In the second part of the event, Opferhilfe beider Basel shed light on cooperation with psychologists. The focus was on issues relating to victim characteristics, services under victims’ rights, the referral of people affected by violence and, of course, the ongoing problem of insufficient therapy places. Everyone agreed that it is crucial to provide victims of domestic violence with quick and relatively uncomplicated access to therapy services. This is crucial for their stabilization. During the lively discussion, new solutions were outlined that can now be developed and put into practice.
Valuable impulses for consulting
Unfortunately, domestic violence is very common. The associated suffering for those affected and those affected by it is enormous. The significant data available thanks to Prof. Markwalder’s research is therefore encouraging, as is the awareness and commitment of people to constantly rethink the issue and pursue it with perseverance. Daily work in therapy, counseling and care requires strength, patience and a great deal of understanding. Such training events can make a significant contribution to this.
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At night and at weekends, the number is operated by Dargebotene Hand beider Basel.
The Dargebotene Hand provides basic counseling and, if necessary, refers the victim to the day service for counseling.
Victim Support beider Basel is available 24/7
Tel: +41 61 205 09 10
