Help is available here

It is important to get help for domestic violence! Various agencies provide information, advice and support. This is usually confidential and often free of charge and with an interpreter if necessary. Help is available from these places.

In an emergency

  • Police: 112 / Ambulance: 144
  • Women's shelters: AppElle! (24/7 hotline), 031 533 03 03
  • Hospital emergency room: Treatment for injuries is available at the emergency room without an appointment
  • Psychiatric emergency: List of contact points by region at www.psy.ch

More information on help in emergencies is available here.

Counselling for women and children

Confidential and free of charge. An interpreter is possible.

Children and young people

Children and young people with difficult family situations can call Pro Juventute day and night to talk. By phone, chat, text message or email.

  • Pro Juventute: Confidential and free advice 24/7, tel. 147, www.147.ch (DE | FR)

If sexual and physical abuse against children up to 16 years of age is suspected, the child protection group at the University Hospital (Inselspital) offers assessments as well as consultations for private individuals and professionals.

Medical assistance and forensics

City Emergency (City Notfall) in Bern specialises in injuries and evidence recovery after physical violence. Investigations are confidential. The police are only informed if the victim wants this. Those who are seeking medical treatment elsewhere should ask the doctor to document the traces of violence.

Sexual violence

Other contact points

The website of the Bern Intervention Centre against Domestic Violence (Berner Interventionsstelle gegen Häusliche Gewalt) lists other agencies that can help. For example, for questions about migration, addiction counselling, legal advice or counselling in difficult family situations (list in German and French).