Sexual violence

Sexual violence refers to acts of a sexual nature that are forced or coerced upon someone. Examples include: sexual harassment or sexual assault, sexual coercion, sexual abuse in childhood, sexual exploitation or rape. Sexual violence may also takes place online. For example, when intimate videos or photos of a partner are shared on social media without consent.

Sexual violence occurs in all social classes and age groups and can affect anyone. Sexual violence is prohibited and punished in Switzerland.

Most sexual offences are not committed by strangers, but by partners, ex-partners, acquaintances and colleagues. Those affected often feel ashamed and suffer from feelings of guilt. It takes courage to seek help. Following rape, however, it is important to have a medical examination. A report can also be made to the police at a later date.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence:

Medical examination
Seek medical attention within 72 hours where possible.

Frauenklinik (Women’s Clinic) – Kantonsspital Aarau +41 62 838 50 74, Haus 8, Tellstrasse 25, Aarau

Notfallzentrum (Emergency Centre) – Kantonsspital Aarau +41 62 838 41 41, Haus 1, Tellstrasse 25, Aarau

Kinderspital (Children’s Hospital) – Kantonsspital Aarau +41 62 838 49 41, Haus 9, Tellstrasse 25, Aarau

Securing evidence

• If you cannot visit a family doctor's practice or hospital straight away, keep evidence like clothing safe in a paper bag.
• Chat logs and SMS messages may also serve as evidence. Save this data.

Additional support

• The Aargau victim counselling service offers legal and psychological support.
• It also provides information about the advantages and disadvantages of reporting the crime to the police.
• The costs of treatment are assumed by the victim support service, regardless of whether or not you decide to report the crime to the police.
• Contact: Aargau victim counselling service, 062 835 47 90 or chat, www.opferberatung-ag.ch