The Federal Council has given the green light to the so-called “Violence Relief Act”. The state-level chamber voted in favor of the federal government’s proposal during its meeting on Friday.
The act aims to establish a right to protection and counseling for women and children in cases of domestic violence. The law is set to come into effect on January 1, 2032, giving the states sufficient time to adapt their support systems. The federal government has planned to contribute to the support system with 2.6 billion euros by 2036.
Federal Minister Lisa Paus (Green Party) welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic moment”. “Every woman will have the right to free protection and counseling under this law” she said. “This is a significant step in the face of the appalling normalcy of violence against women.