VIOLENCE KNOWS NO GENDER
It takes overcoming and courage for victims of violence to seek the help they deserve. Victim Support beider Basel is therefore launching the new awareness campaign “Violence knows no gender”. It shows two things: Everyone can be a victim of violence. And nobody needs to be ashamed of it. The campaign also specifically addresses men.
Feeling shame is agonizing. The feeling is triggered by the impression of having behaved incorrectly, of not having lived up to certain values, rules or demands. Those who are ashamed want to be invisible, to sink into the ground. There are situations where shame, to a limited and healthy extent, can help us to question our own behavior. For example, after a strong verbal statement.
Existential fear
But there is also too much shame. This is the case when someone is flooded with feelings of shame. Anyone who has made a mistake then feels that they themselves are a mistake.
This state of existential fear is also known as traumatic shame.
Distressing feelings of shame can remain if protective (physical and emotional) boundaries have been violated. For example, when intimate details from private life became public. Or when borders are drastically violated, for example through rape or torture.
This form of shame is a hurdle: Those who are ashamed of having been victimized are unlikely to ask for the help they need. This is where the new awareness-raising campaign by Basel Victim Support comes in. “Violence knows no gender” is aimed at all those affected by violence. Women, men, non-binary people – all can become victims, all can be exposed to shame and everyone can experience how the shame of those affected is also intensified by the social perpetrator-victim reversal.
The campaign uses three slogans:
– “Because you don’t have to be ashamed”
– “Because you can be vulnerable”
– “Because you can get help”
Men can be vulnerable too
The campaign also specifically addresses men. They are also vulnerable and are entitled to help. To this day, many men find it difficult to admit this. Many crimes go unreported and the number of unreported cases is correspondingly high. This is also shown by the official figures: In Switzerland, 75% of offenders and 56% of all victims of crime are male.
However, male victims only account for 30% of cases at the victim counseling centers.
Switzerland’s Victim Assistance Act, introduced over 30 years ago, is an important instrument. All people affected by violence are allowed to seek help and have a right to it – women, men and non-binary people. This means that victims can be given back the dignity that was taken from them as a result of a crime.
Campaign material
The campaign includes posters, short animations and cards in which viewers can take action themselves and make the hidden sentences visible.
Through this action, the topic of violence has an influence on the visual appearance of the campaign without having to resort to classic imagery, as this often only appeals to a specific target group and violence is depicted in a very explicit way, excluding forms of violence that are not always visually tangible. A QR code on the posters and cards leads to this page with contributions, interviews and background articles on the topic.
Are you interested in the campaign material? Please get in touch.
One click to contact us
Here you will find specialist articles, interviews, book tips and exciting FAQs on the topic.
Interview + "Stereotypes about masculinity run deep" - Florian Weissenbacher, Director of the Basel Region Men's Office
The Männerbüro Region Basel advises men on their roles and responsibilities in life. In this interview, Managing Director Florian Weissenbacher explains which services are the focus and what challenges are involved. And why the range is being expanded.
Changes have taken place at the Men’s Office. Where does the men’s office stand today?
There was a complete change of personnel at the beginning of 2023. I took over the management in June 2023. We first had to find each other as a team and stabilize the office, which I think we did well. We have noticed that we are conducting more process consultations. And we are in the process of expanding the range. One example is men’s counseling in a retirement home. There, we hold group discussions with the residents on specific, prepared topics and then offer counseling sessions on a variety of topics of our own.
What changes have there been on the Management Board?
It was important that Markus Theunert, who has a great deal of experience in men’s work, was added to the Executive Board. One focus here is certainly men’s work in terms of gender equality. In other words, the feminist discourse has brought to light many unpleasant, sometimes dysfunctional behaviors that many men exhibit. We want to tackle these.
Can you give examples?
This applies, for example, to the behavior of men in couple relationships. Equal opportunities should be practiced here for the benefit of both. The woman does not have to look after the children, nor does the man have to generate the main income. All the negative statistics in which men are in first place are also striking. Although women attempt suicide more frequently, men commit suicide more often. We die earlier, have more cardiovascular diseases, cause more car accidents with fatal consequences, lead every crime statistic and are more frequently cared for in special school settings and measures during childhood.
How can the Men’s Office change this?
All of this cannot simply be attributed to gender, but also has to do with socialization. We want to offer men who are no longer satisfied with their social or personal status low-threshold access and support in their own change processes.
What are your general areas of responsibility?
This includes advising men on male-specific topics such as work-life balance, fatherhood, changing roles and images of masculinity. The focus is still on separation and personal contact with one’s own children after separation or divorce. However, these subject areas are large. As mentioned, we would like to open up. For many men, the inhibition threshold for coming to the men’s office is still too high. A fathers’ morning, information evenings and workshops are being planned.
What do you think of the discussion about masculinity and stereotypes?
The discourse is politicized, which is a double-edged sword. A major challenge here is that society receives few positive examples of masculinity and sees these exemplified in public. The negative examples take up a lot of space in shaping the image of masculinity and stereotypes. Masculinity is too often associated with toxicity. Social media play an important role in this. Unfortunately, disoriented young men receive more support and orientation from dominance and toxic behaviors than from other behaviors. Stereotypes run deep and it takes a lot of time and movement to rethink and live them. Shame naturally plays a central role here.
What other hurdles do you face in your work?
One challenge I experience in the discussion about masculinity is that it is often conducted in a judgmental way. A lot of energy is lost if we have to explain at length right at the beginning why we stand up for men and that this has nothing to do with an anti-feminist stance or automatically with toxicity.
What are your strengths?
We are well positioned to provide specialist and procedural advice on all aspects of child protection and when the KESB is involved. They have a lot of experience and knowledge. The same applies to counselling during and after various crises, i.e. when stabilization is required. We also exemplify different role models of masculinity and help clients to reflect on their images.
How do you define the cooperation between the Men’s Office and Opferhilfe beider Basel? Where do you see interfaces?
The interface is of course provided by your department, which focuses on men and boys. What they have in common are the themes surrounding masculinity. It is important for me to mention that we men should not think in isolation. They are part of one or more systems in which they have to find their way on a daily basis. Changes in one person can lead to resistance in the system and thus to more problems. Accordingly, the client’s living environment must be taken into account.
Where is there a clear demarcation from OHbB?
The Victim Assistance Act forms a boundary. You are the experts for victims. We motivate victims of violence to make use of the counseling services provided by Victim Support. We experience the cooperation as constructive and goal-oriented. I experience both institutions as very client-centered. Where do you see potential for development in the collaboration? Joint information evenings on men-specific topics would certainly be exciting. This would bring together a great deal of knowledge from which the public could benefit.
Book tip + NEW) Encouraged - Information for those affected by sexualized violence, Observer version
Agota Lavoyer, Sim Eggler
Published in September 2024
ISBN 978-3-03875-588-3
Interview + 16 voices against violence against women - Beat John, Managing Director OhbB
16 women from Northwestern Switzerland raise their voices against violence against women. Beat John, Managing Director of Opferhilfe beider Basel, explains in an interview how it was possible to recruit personalities for the project. And what it will take in future to protect women from violence.
Click here for the 16 films: Link
During the international campaign “16 days of action against violence against women”, Opferhilfe beider Basel is showing video messages from 16 women. What do women have to tell us?
An incredible amount. They are clear votes, concerns, wishes and appeals. Peppered with personal experiences and stories. And you can sense that the women know exactly what they are talking about and who they are doing it for.
Which statements particularly touched you?
I was there for the recordings. And I have experienced how important it is to women that all women are doing well. There was a great deal of genuine empathy and identification with women. And I also realized how well the women can imagine the pain and suffering that violence can cause people. Some of them know this from their own experience. These visits to the women and the conversations were one of the most touching things I have been able to do in my many years of work.
Many of the women taking part are well-known beyond the borders of Northwestern Switzerland, such as celebrity chef Tanja Grandits,
professional tennis player Joanne Züger and actress Sarah Spale. How were the women selected?
It was important to us to show as much versatility as possible. We initially listed this versatility without names, for example a musician, a young and a very experienced woman, a Muslim woman, a trans woman, a manager. And then I was very surprised at how quickly our employees added concrete suggestions to the list.
How did the women react to the request?
The first three requests came to nothing. There was no response. That made me think a bit. But then one request after another worked out. For me personally, that was one of the highlights of the whole event. The women who were approached accepted spontaneously – without thinking twice. I was extremely impressed. They unanimously said that they would like to get involved for women and for such an important topic.
What effect do you expect the campaign to have?
As a father, I’ve found that children don’t always appreciate their parents’ advice. As a teacher, the same applies to tips for pupils. But within the peer group, at eye level, from woman to woman: that’s something else. People need that, recommendations, wishes, encouragement, statements about personal concerns. The me-too movement also shows this. I am convinced that the women’s messages and statements will be heard. And that is an important contribution to raising awareness and prevention.
What else is needed to protect women from violence?
The same commitment and understanding from the men.
Book tip + (NEW) Never out of love - male violence against women
Miriam Suter, Natalia Widla
Published on October 10, 2024
In Switzerland, a woman is killed by her husband, partner or ex-partner every two weeks.
Every week, one woman survives an attempted femicide.
Why do men become perpetrators of domestic or sexualized violence against women?
Why do they kill?
Miriam Suter and Natalia Widla explore this question with a view to what Switzerland is doing to prevent such crimes and what still needs to be done.
In discussions with various experts from the judiciary, politics and psychology and by examining current cases of convicted perpetrators of violence, they try to find out which men are hidden behind the term “perpetrator”, which psychological and social mechanisms promote violence and which preventive or curative measures exist.
The discussion partners include Markus Theunert from the Swiss Men’s and Fathers’ Association, forensic diagnostician Nahlah Saimeh, sociologist and activist Melanie Brazzell, criminal law professor Nora Markwalder, Federal Councillor Beat Jans and many more.
Specialist article + When men become victims
For a long time, it was taboo to talk about sexualized or domestic violence against men.
It was simply inconceivable that a man could become a victim.
It was not possible for those affected to talk about their experiences or even get support.
But now we are seeing a change in society.
Since 2008, Opferhilfe beider Basel has been providing advice to male victims of domestic and sexualized violence through specialized experts.
Victim Support wants to specifically address this group of victims and send a signal: We know that you exist, you are not alone, you have specific needs.
Raising awareness works
In addition to advising those affected, efforts have been and continue to be made to raise awareness among the public, the authorities and the agencies involved.
At the same time, there are signs of change in society.
The taboo is crumbling, men can become victims and are allowed to seek help.
This development can be clearly seen in the figures.
The number of men affected by domestic and sexualized violence tripled between 2008 and 2023 to 225.
On average, one man per day now seeks advice from the OHbB.
Two thirds concern domestic violence, one third sexualized violence.
| Year | 2008 | 2015 | 2023 |
| New consultations | 79 | 121 | 225 |
Tab.
1: OHbB counselling for male victims of domestic or sexualized violence
Social change
The question arises as to whether this is an advice center phenomenon or whether a social change is taking place.
One answer is provided by the national police crime statistics.
Since 2009, they have recorded the victims of domestic or sexualized violence in detail.
Over a comparable period, there has been a 40% increase in the number of male victims in criminal proceedings.
However, these figures do not provide any information as to whether there were more crimes or whether those affected are reporting more cases due to increased awareness.
At 15-25%, the proportion of victims of sexualized violence is lower than in the case of victim support in beider Basel.
| Year | 2009 | 2015 | 2023 |
| Domestic violence | 2318 | 2511 | 3435 |
| Sexualized violence | 565 | 551 | 620 |
Tab.
2: Male victims in criminal proceedings, national police crime statistics
The two sets of figures suggest that a social change is underway.
Men are also more likely to report crimes of domestic and sexualized violence.
And, importantly, they are quicker to seek help.
The fact that the number of counseling sessions at Opferhilfe beider Basel has grown much faster than the number of criminal proceedings makes something clear: the commitment of the counseling center over the last 16 years is having an effect.
Interview + "Netzwerk konkret - What are the benefits of the Istanbul Convention?" - Alexa Ferel, Head of Intervention Center against Domestic Violence BL
How far has the canton of Basel-Landschaft come in implementing the Istanbul Convention?
Alexa Ferel: Violence against women and domestic violence are an age-old and still taboo form of gender-specific abuse of power. The fact that violence against women in intimate relationships is also a serious problem in Switzerland was shown by the first Swiss-wide dark field study at the end of the 1990s (Gillioz Lucienne et al. 1997). Stopping domestic violence, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators have been the goals of the Intervention center against domestic violence BL. And our working group against domestic violence, a government council commission, has been providing the relevant networking as a “round table” for over 20 years. At cantonal and national level, important changes have occurred in recent years. Legal basis to improve the protection of victims. Victim support and the women’s shelter of the Basel cantons were and are indispensable institutions for victims of violence. And learning programs for perpetrators of violence have also been a mandatory part of victim protection for years.
We have been working to combat violence against women and domestic violence not only since the Istanbul Convention (IC) came into force. But the IC is an excellent additional instrument for promoting prevention, victim protection and criminal prosecution in an even more consistent and networked way – an opportunity that we absolutely want to and must seize.
What specific measures have already been taken in Baselland?
The implementation of the IC was started in 2019 with an initial inventory. The canton of Basel-Landschaft basically has good intervention structures and intervention instruments for preventing domestic violence and combating its consequences. However, there was also a need for action in various areas of the IC, which is why a cross-directorate project group was set up. The project group defined measures in four key areas for the first phase. On this basis, the Basel-Landschaft cantonal government decided to implement it in 2020. Around two years later, the report on the implementation of the measures, first phase, 2022, shows that the number of shelters for women and children affected by violence has been increased, together with the canton of Basel-Stadt. The gap in the work with perpetrators of intimate partner violence has been closed with new services for foreign language speakers and women who use violence. In order to raise awareness of the situation of the children affected as witnesses of domestic violence, important insights were gained and specialists were appointed as Handout made available. In addition, school-based prevention of gender equality, non-violent conflict resolution and gender-specific violence was intensified. These focal points will be further developed by the responsible project members in consultation with the network as a “work in progress”.
For the next phase of implementing the IC, we are now focusing on the Domestic Violence Roadmap. At the end of April 2021, the Confederation and cantons agreed on very specific measures in ten fields of action to sustainably improve victim protection.
What progress has been made with implementation in Switzerland?
At national level, the Federal Council adopted the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the Istanbul Conventionin July 2022. adopted. Thanks to bundled and coordinated measures, substantial progress is to be made by mid-2026 in raising awareness among the population and in the training and further education of responsible areas. Very importantly, the action plan also places a special focus on preventing and combating sexualized violence.
One aim of the convention is to improve coordination and networking between the agencies concerned. Has progress already been made here?
In general, the IC certainly has a major effect on all affected areas. Violence against women and domestic violence have become much more prominent in society and are also increasingly on the political agenda. This emphasis supports our networking work. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how important it is to have functioning networking bodies: During the crisis, we were able to hold regular online meetings between the key victim protection agencies quickly and easily with our “Corona Group”. This ensured exchange and networking. This is an example of networking in action that directly benefits those affected by violence.
Why is networking so important?
At the operational level, working with both perpetrators and victims of violence is inconceivable without networking – of course always with the consent of those affected or within the framework of the law. Networking is essential, especially in protection management, which we take on on behalf of the cantonal threat management in cases of violence in couple relationships: with the shelters, with victim support and also with other agencies involved.
Where is the greatest need for action? What hurdles need to be overcome?
Clear indications of the need for action can be found in the proposals of the Council of Europe’s international panel of experts (GREVIO). It reviewed the implementation of IC in Switzerland last year and made recommendations to Switzerland. In November 2022, the Federal Council published a Comment. Among other things, Switzerland is called upon to better recognize and name gender-specific violence and to derive measures from this.
Can you give an example?
We know that attempted or completed femicides in the context of domestic violence almost always occur during periods of separation or in connection with a partner’s desire to separate. Violent jealousy is often cited as a motive for the crime. We must question such trivializing justifications. Because this is about a devastating claim to ownership, destructive control and oppression, in the worst case the killing of a partner simply because she wanted to separate. Structurally, we must therefore work towards even more equality, for example by counteracting role perceptions that promote violence. Operationally, we really must always assess domestic violence – including psychological forms – before, during and after a separation and provide protective measures. In such cases, cantonal threat management can make an important contribution to interdisciplinary and inter-institutional networking and cooperation.
Where do you see further opportunities for improvement?
There is a need for action in terms of further development at all levels, and many measures can already be found in the strategic plans of the Confederation and the cantons. The implementation of measures is generally the responsibility of the cantons. Damit sich der Föderalismus nicht als unüberwindbare Hürde erweist, ist eine gute interkantonale Kooperation gefragt – Vernetzung also nicht nur innerhalb der Kantone, sondern auch unter den Kantonen.
Facts + FAQ on violence against men
Isn’t violence a problem for men?
In 2023, the Swiss police crime statistics recorded a total of 90,582 accused persons (according to the Swiss Criminal Code).
Of these, 75% are male.
In the case of domestic violence, 75% of those accused are also male.
For sexual offenses even over 95%.
These are clear figures that reflect existing patriarchal social structures at
.
At the same time, male victims of violence are met with a lack of understanding or rejection in society.
As a result, many men affected are not taken seriously in their experience of violence and receive inadequate support.
As an expression of traditional male socialization, only a few men seek help because they make their experience of violence taboo and fear social stigmatization.
Source: Swiss police crime statistics 2023
Can men become victims of domestic violence?
The Swiss police crime statistics recorded a total of 11,479 victims of domestic violence in 2023.
Almost 30% of these are male.
However, it is important to bear in mind that this only represents the cases of domestic violence known to the police.
The number of unreported cases is high – for both female and male victims.
A representative dark field study conducted by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony in 2023 revealed that 54% of the men surveyed stated that they had been victims of domestic violence in a partnership.
Most of those affected said they had suffered psychological violence.
Again, however, 73% of those affected stated that they themselves had also used violence against their partner, which suggests mutual domestic violence as an expression of spontaneous conflict behavior.
Sources: Police crime statistics Switzerland 2023; Violence against men in partnerships – from shame to help, study by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony and Stiftung WEISSER Ring 2022/2023.
Can men be raped?
Until the revision of sexual criminal law, which came into force on July 1, 2024, men could not be raped by legal definition.
The criminal proceedings for men affected were for sexual assault.
Oral, anal and vaginal penetration are now treated equally.
Source: Art. 190 of the Criminal Code
How many men are victims of sexual offenses?
The Swiss police crime statistics recorded a total of 4,223 victims in 2023.
Of these, just under 15% were male victims.
The majority of these involved male minors.
As this only reflects the cases registered by the police, a large number of unreported cases must also be assumed here.
Source: Swiss police crime statistics 2023
Why don’t men simply defend themselves when violence is inflicted on them?
Regardless of their gender, many victims of violence experience a state of rigidity during a violent incident, also known as “freezing”.
This is a normal human reaction of the body to a potentially life-threatening event.
By suppressing defensive reactions, the risk of injury during violent acts, such as rape, can be reduced, thereby ensuring the survival of the person affected.
Anyone can experience “freezing”.
It is an instinctive reaction that occurs independently of a person’s will and knowledge.
Many people do not know that freezing is a normal reaction of the body and blame the affected person for not having resisted.
This leads to massive self-reproach among those affected and is an expression of a harmful perpetrator-victim reversal.
Until the revision of the Sexual Offenses Act, which came into force on 1 July 2024, the person concerned had to prove in court that they had clearly resisted.
“Freezing” is now also interpreted as resistance.
Anyone who takes advantage of a person’s state of shock is also violating their will.
Source: Interview with Jan Gysi, published in “AMNESTY – Magazine of Human Rights” from December 2020
Case study + rape
A typical case that occurs in women’s counseling for violence as well as in men’s counseling for violence.
Regardless of which gender the person reading this imagines A or Z to be: it applies!
A is 27 years old and is currently training to become a nurse in a hospital.
A likes this training very much.
A is very interested in medical topics, which is why A finds the exchange with Z, a 25-year-old assistant doctor at the hospital, very exciting.
These conversations – initially only during coffee breaks at the hospital – reveal their many shared interests.
They also start to meet up in their free time.
A makes it clear to Z from the outset that A does not want to enter into a committed relationship at the moment – not even a sexual one.
A continues to meet up with Z and they have a good time together.
At another meeting, however, Z gets too close to A physically.
A repeats that A does not want any physical or sexual closeness and that A is uncomfortable when Z gets so close to A.
At another meeting at Z’s home, Z starts cuddling and undressing A.
A goes into shock while Z rapes A.
Without contraception.
When A regains consciousness, A leaves Z’s apartment without saying a word. The thought of coming to work the next day and possibly meeting Z is unbearable for A.
On the way home, A calls an important confidant.
This person advises A to contact the victim support service for a counseling session.
A has many questions:
– If A is a woman, what about contraception?
What options are there afterwards?
Regardless of sex:
– What about A’s health / injuries?
– What about the preservation of forensic evidence?
– Can this evidence also be preserved if A does not want to press charges?
– What about treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, hepatitis, ….)?
– How does A manage to report the assault to the accident insurance company so that it covers the full costs?
– If A wants to report Z to the police, what are the arguments for and against doing so?
Where (place of crime, place of residence)?
– Can A take a trusted person with him when he reports the crime and who?
– Does A have sufficient mental resources (strength, energy) for criminal proceedings, which experience has shown to take a very long time?
– Is A prepared to answer the most intimate questions in criminal proceedings, including questions about privacy?
– Do the prosecuting authorities believe the statements of A or rather the statements of Z?
– What does it trigger in A if Z accuses A of false accusations or accuses A of having “wanted it” after all?
– How does A deal with a possible acquittal in-dubio-pro-reo if a criminal charge is brought in court?
– A is also very worried that he may not be able to continue his training at the hospital, as A meets Z there almost every day.
Does A therefore have to take temporary sick leave?
– Can A openly communicate to the family doctor what A has experienced?
– What does A tell his colleagues about why A is on sick leave for several days?
– Should A confide in the person responsible for training?
– Will she inform the hospital management and will they have to press charges or release Z immediately?
As a person affected by
violence, can A still have a say in the decision or will the decision be made over her head?
– A has not yet confided in any other acquaintances out of concern that they will not believe A or will trivialize the matter.
And out of shame that “something like that” happened to A.
How does A manage to overcome this excessive shame and worry?
– Does A need psychotherapeutic support for this?
– …
Note: The term “rape” now also applies to men.
Oral, anal and vaginal penetration are treated equally.
(Revision of the Sexual Offenses Act, introduced 01.07.2024)
Book tip + Did you say no? - Dealing with sexualized violence
Miriam Suter, Natalia Widla
“One in five women in Switzerland is affected by sexualized violence, but only eight percent of cases are reported.
While Switzerland’s sexual criminal law is undergoing reform, the two journalists take a close look at the practices of our judiciary, police and counseling centers.
Based on the stories of three women, whose experiences are representative of many others, they describe the processes and contact persons that can be as much a disaster as a help to those affected.
Interviews with Corina Elmer, Tamara Funiciello, Marcus Kradolfer, Agota Lavoyer, Karin Keller-Sutter and Bettina Steinbach explain important concepts and background information for the debate.”
Specialist article + How the image of men harms men
Regardless of their gender identity, many victims of violence rarely contact a victim counseling center and seek help out of shame and fear and only do so with great difficulty.
In counseling with male victims of violence, however, we often encounter statements that reveal a role conflict.
They ask, “Can I even become a victim, show weakness and vulnerability, when as a man I have to be strong and independent?”.
Why it is worthwhile for men to critically question their self-image of masculinity.
And why it is also a social responsibility to support men in doing so.
It was a casual conversation over coffee with a teacher friend.
She casually told me that she had repeatedly warned the boys who were fighting in the school playground during break time, but that it hadn’t helped.
“Maybe they need to hit themselves on the head to make it stop. Maybe that’s how boys are”.
This statement kept me busy in the days that followed.
It seems as if society has resigned itself to the fact that violence is part of being a man.
For a few years now, other types of masculinity have also been establishing themselves.
Men are working part-time more often.
In 2023, 19.6% of working men in Switzerland did so, compared to just 7.8% in 1991.
More and more men are opting for working models that are compatible with childcare and family.
This not only creates new ideas of masculinity, but also contributes to gender equality.
The diversification of masculinities can also be seen in men who take up occupations that are atypical for men.
They can act as role models for boys in particular.
Toxic masculinity
However, this shift towards more diversity does nothing to change the fact that the traditional image of men remains and is even gaining in importance.
There are many reasons for this regression.
Many men see their privileges threatened by social change.
Some political groups fuel these fears by stylizing people (e.g. LGBTQI* people) as enemy images and declaring that they are defending traditional role models and roles.
People like the Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, who reaches a large audience with high-profile messages on toxic masculinity, play a role in this.
According to this logic, a man must be strong, powerful and tough.
Anyone who shows weakness or other unmanly feelings is not a man.
Violence is also part of this stereotype.
It serves to consolidate one’s own position and assert interests.
If violence continues to be seen in certain parts of society as an unchangeable characteristic of men that is acted out if necessary, it is not surprising that there are more acts of violence.
Men seek help less often
In Switzerland, 75% of offenders and 56% of all victims of crime are male.
At the same time, men seeking help from victim counseling centers account for only 30% of cases.
This discrepancy raises questions and shows how important it is to take men seriously as victims.
However, this does not mean that women’s experience of violence should be relativized.
All forms of violence must be rejected.
And we need to look for the causes in order to take action against it.
Those who cannot meet the unrealistic demands of this masculinity often feel powerlessness and frustration.
This can lead to violence against others or even against themselves.
Another problem with this form of masculinity is that it offers no strategies for dealing with feelings such as vulnerability, excessive demands or fear.
And this can lead to violence against others.
Or even against oneself.
For many men, going to a victim counseling center represents a break with their own strict role models.
In our counseling sessions, we observe that men struggle with their experience of violence.
What they need in this situation is support.
In this way, they can reinterpret entrenched ideas such as strength and autonomy and experience it as a sign of strength when they accept help.
Protected spaces are needed
For this to succeed, suitable offers of help are needed first.
Unfortunately, there are still practically no protected spaces where men can critically question the expectations of their role.
The men’s office in the Basel region is an exception.
And the Opferhilfe beider Basel (Victim Support of beider Basel): here, men affected by domestic and sexualized violence have been receiving advice in a specially created department since 2008.
In a confidential, free consultation, individual needs and concerns are identified and targeted support is offered.
Even a one-off conversation can be relieving.
After a consultation, many men also recognize the need for psychotherapeutic support and want therapy recommendations.
Or they ask for legal help as complex legal issues arise.
These are men who want to free themselves from their role as victims and their powerlessness and become capable of acting again.
Accept support
In counseling, we experience time and time again how difficult it is for men to admit their helplessness and accept outside support.
To get out of a difficult situation, many men talk about suicide.
Unfortunately, the disproportionately high rate of completed suicides among men shows that these are not empty words.
Problematic roles and stereotypes also prevail in society, making it difficult for men who have experienced violence to access help.
Specifically, many experiences of violence are trivialized or not taken seriously.
It would be desirable if professionals who deal with people affected by violence also critically questioned sometimes unconscious notions of masculinity so that men affected by violence can receive the support they need.
It must also be a social task to enable boys and men to accept help from specialists if they are affected by violence.
Stereotypes according to which men have to cope with stressful situations alone must not be reproduced.
However, help must also be available.
Unfortunately, many affected men encounter negative and dismissive reactions when they first try to seek help, which makes it much more difficult to continue looking for support.
Conclusion
Gender roles are not set in stone.
Let’s encourage men to question and discard the roles they have been taught.
So that they can develop and try out other masculinities in a self-determined way.
Let us condemn violence – on school playgrounds as well as in other places and areas of everyday life.
Let’s give up the serious misconception that violence must be an integral part of male socialization.
And let us listen to and trust the men affected by violence.
Those who manage to talk about their experience of violence despite the taboo and stigma are taking a very important step.
They deserve our support and must not remain alone in coping with the experience of violence and dealing with role conflicts.
Sources:
Part-time work – proportion of part-time employees, Federal Statistical Office
Police crime statistics 2023, Federal Statistical Office
Victim assistance statistics 2022, Federal Statistical Office
Specific causes of death, 2022, Federal Statistical Office
Book tip + (NEW) Every_ Woman - About a society that trivializes and normalizes sexualized violence. A book against rape culture
Agota Lavoyer
“Sexualized violence is frighteningly omnipresent in our society. Almost every woman is affected by it. In this disturbing book, Agota Lavoyer, a well-known media expert on sexualized violence and bestselling author, explains that it is not only the extent of sexualized violence in our society that is a scandal, but also the way we deal with it. We live in a rape culture that allows men to be abusive and that devalues and blames those affected. Women attend self-defense courses, while we men make excuses with the argument “boys will be boys” and ignore the causes of the problem: the widespread sexist and women-devaluing beliefs and our ideas of masculinity.
Lavoyer takes a sharp look at how we deal with sexualized violence. She combines statistics and research findings with numerous examples from popular culture, law enforcement and media coverage, dispelling common myths and showing that sexualized violence is not an aberration or misunderstanding, but part of the toxic construct of patriarchal masculinity that still shapes our society.
This book is a long overdue outcry and an eye-opener, but also a call to us all. Conditions can be changed if society works to overcome sexism and misogyny.”.
Facts + FAQ on violence against women
How many women are victims of domestic violence?
According to Swiss police crime statistics, 11,479 victims of domestic violence were recorded in 2023.
Of these, 70% were female.
These figures are the cases registered by the police.
However, a high number of unreported cases must be assumed here, which cannot be recorded statistically.
The victim support statistics for 2023 record a total of 36,029 female victims who sought advice from a victim advice center.
In over 54% of all victims, the perpetrator of the crime was located in the domestic context (i.e. in an existing or dissolved partner relationship or another family member).
Source: Police crime statistics, victim support statistics
How many women are victims of sexualized violence?
According to Swiss police crime statistics, 2,384 female adults and 1,442 female minors were victims of sexualized violence in 2023.
These are cases registered by the police.
Here, too, there is a very large number of unreported cases.
It is striking that 44% of recorded rapes and over a third of sexual assaults and sexual acts with children were committed in a domestic context, i.e. in the context of an existing or former partnership or other family relationship.
The victim support statistics for 2023 recorded a total of over 15,000 victims of sexualized violence who sought advice from a victim support center.
Source: Police crime statistics, victim support statistics
BRAVA (formerly TERRE DES FEMMES) writes:
“Switzerland has a problem with sexualized violence. This is shown by the crime statistics (PKS) published today. According to the police, 1,371 women were raped in 2023. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Enormous numbers of unreported cases and low conviction rates expose a system that facilitates sexualized violence and makes “justice” impossible.
If all the women who were raped in Switzerland in 2023 according to the police were gathered in one place, they would populate an entire village, for example Läufelfingen.
But the truth is much more serious.
If a woman is raped in Switzerland today, she is highly unlikely to report it to the police.
According to a survey conducted in 2022, eight out of ten women do not report to the police.
This means that we are not talking about 1,371 victims, but around 11,100.
Instead of a village like Läufelfingen, in other words a small town the size of Lenzburg.
Our extrapolation shows what the PKS figures do not tell us: In Switzerland, 30 women are victims of massive sexualized violence every day.
Our structures mean that victims do not report rapes and sexual offenses are rarely convicted.”
Source: www.brava-ngo.ch/de/aktuell/kriminalstatistik
Why don’t female victims of sexualized violence simply report the accused person?
In many cases, sexualized violence is committed in the victim’s own social environment.
In many cases, the victims know the accused person and are usually familiar with them.
As a result, affected women refrain from reporting the crime out of fear and shame, as they are close to the accused person.
BRAVA (formerly TERRE DES FEMMES) writes:
“Many victims refrain from reporting the crime out of shame, feelings of guilt or fear that they will not be believed.
This is partly due to the fact that most of the perpetrators come from the victim’s immediate environment.
According to a survey conducted in 2022, only 8.4% did not know the person who committed the crime.
For 38.6 percent, it was their partner or ex-partner.
Victims are therefore often unsure whether they can report the crime at all.
The fact that sexualized violence is a massive, violent intrusion into a person’s private sphere also contributes to the low reporting rate.
Many victims find it difficult to talk about what they have experienced.
In the equation between self-protection and justice, the fear of re-traumatization prevails.
The knowledge that only very few rapists are actually convicted also contributes to the low reporting rate.
If a person has decided to press charges, this does not necessarily mean that they will be convicted.
A complaint does not necessarily lead to a trial. It may be that the public prosecutor’s office advises those affected against a criminal trial if the burden of proof is low, or the injured parties themselves withdraw because they cannot muster the energy and financial resources for a trial.
If a case goes to trial, there is often a lack of evidence in sexual offenses. In many places, professional forensics are only carried out if the victim presses charges. If the victim only decides to press charges later, important evidence has not been secured and cannot be used in the proceedings. If the evidence is missing, it is often a case of testimony against testimony and the court decides “in dubio pro reo”, i.e. in case of doubt for the accused.”
Source: www.brava-ngo.ch/de/aktuell/kriminalstatistik
What is meant by a “perpetrator-victim reversal”?
Victims of sexualized violence are often confronted with accusations that they are responsible for the crime, for example through their clothing or behaviour, or that they are at least partly to blame.
Many victims are also confronted with social expectations that they must conform to a certain “victim image”, i.e. that they must talk about what they have suffered immediately after the crime and only then are they credible.
This is wrong and extremely damaging for those affected.
The responsibility for the violence always lies with the perpetrators and such prejudices mean that many people affected do not report the crimes or do not talk about them.
Why do many victims of sexualized violence only come forward years after the crime?
Particularly during the Me-Too movement, many female (and male) victims of sexualized violence came forward, which led to a far-reaching debate and criminal consequences for the sometimes famous accused.
However, many of those affected were confronted with accusations that some of the crimes had been committed years ago and that they were only now daring to go public with them.
The credibility of many of those affected was called into question, as they were accused of having selfish intentions.
However, there is no doubt that the reality is that many victims of sexualized violence – due to shame and fear of stigmatization – do not share their experience of violence with other people and are unable to seek support.
In addition, many crimes are committed in relationships of dependency and the person affected is therefore in a vulnerable position, which often does not allow them to take criminal action against the accused person.
If the person concerned does come forward, they are often accused of complicity or dishonest motives, which must be seen as an expression of a social perpetrator-victim reversal.
As a result of the Me-Too movement, many of those affected have been able to gain a voice in public and draw attention to structural abuses.
Case study + Domestic violence
A typical case that occurs in women’s counseling for violence as well as in men’s counseling for violence.
Regardless of which gender the person reading this imagines D or P to be: it applies!
D is 42 years old and has been married to P for 5 years.
They live together in a detached house in a rural community.
D describes how the relationship was harmonious and beautiful at the beginning.
For about a year now, there have been repeated arguments.
P is very jealous and accuses D of having an affair with someone from the work environment.
This had led to D being controlled by P for several months.
D always has to be home at the agreed time, is no longer allowed to meet up with colleagues and has to give P her cell phone so that P can check her text messages.
P calls D several times a day, even when D is at work, and wants to know from D who D has been talking to.
P has also turned up at the office.
Slowly, D’s employees also start to ask questions with concern, but D tells everyone that everything is fine.
During the consultation, D said that P had had a difficult childhood and was struggling with fears of loss.
D had always tried to do everything right so that P could trust D.
However, P keeps finding fault with D and reproaches D, sometimes severely.
D is very ashamed and feels alone in this situation.
D confided in her sister, who urgently advised D to contact victim support.
However, D did not really dare to do so.
D still has the hope that D and P can be on good terms again.
Last Saturday, however, the situation really escalated.
P had been drinking and again accused D of having an affair with someone else.
P shouted at D and then attacked D, punched D, scratched his face and threw a glass at D’s face, causing a bleeding laceration on his forehead.
D was in shock, barricaded himself in the bedroom and called the nurse.
She advised D to call the police immediately.
The police arrived shortly afterwards.
D feared that the police would not take D seriously.
They questioned D and P individually about the situation.
D burst into tears.
D felt very understood by the police officer and explained to him how long D had been suffering from the situation and could no longer stand it.
The police then ordered P to stay away for 14 days.
That same evening, P had to leave the house with a travel bag and a police escort.
D is sitting in the consultation room.
D is visibly unwell.
There is a stitched wound on his forehead.
The police have informed D that D is entitled to victim support.
D then spoke to her sister again on the phone, the only person D could confide in again and again.
At Victim Support, D learns that D can extend the removal order.
D really wants this.
D needs more time to think about what to do next.
14 days are not enough for D.
Victim support assists D in extending the removal order and arranges legal help to obtain an extension of the protective measure from the competent civil district court.
This gives D more time to think in detail about the next steps.
D is also relieved by the police intervention. Gradually, D realizes the extent of the psychological violence he has suffered. D begins to cry during the counseling session. D learns that there are many people who are affected by domestic violence and is encouraged that he is not alone in this difficult situation. D says that D has not been able to sleep since the incident and is practically unable to concentrate at work. During the conversation, D says that D is open to psychotherapeutic support and would like to try it in order to be strengthened in this difficult life situation. Opferhilfe beider Basel supports D in finding a suitable place for therapy and promises D financial support in the form of a co-payment and deductible.
D is confronted with numerous other questions. What about the separation? Should D file criminal charges? What happens next with P?…
