Not only in Zurich: “The women’s shelters in Switzerland are completely full”
Four additional places in the canton of Zurich
The social welfare office of the Canton of Zurich is aware of the “currently high number of cases” in the women’s shelters, as a spokeswoman said on request. That is why the office agreed in May “at the request of a women’s shelter to an increase in the offer” by four places. However, in recent years the canton has built up its commitment to protecting women affected by violence.
Since 2020, the three Zurich women’s shelters have received 1.2 million francs a year instead of half a new one. So it says in the media release From then on, the women’s shelters should be able to work in an economically stable manner in order to be able to concentrate on their core task: the protection of women and children. This core task was difficult to fulfill even during the pandemic, which is why the canton’s social welfare office paid each of the three women’s shelters an additional CHF 300,000 in 2021 Spoken Cap. The fact that the public sector “is now more interested is also a consequence of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence”.
Despite the increased wealth, the money is not, explains Judith Stofer, member of the board of trustees at the Zurich women’s shelter and AL cantonal councilor: “The increase in the canton has helped a lot, but it’s still not enough.” The women’s shelters constantly lack money.
The canton of St.Gallen is also aware of the difficult situation. You are in close contact with the women’s shelter and offer help, including financial ones, says Adela Civic, head of the family and social welfare department in the canton of St.Gallen. “We’ve come to a point where we need to act. Councilor Laura Bucher has pledged her full support.” A plan is currently being negotiated for any additional furniture and staff, a temp for July and August has already been approved.
Civic is worried: “It’s not just about St.Gallen. The situation is being considered throughout Switzerland and there is no relaxation in sight, »she says. “Everyone has the same problem, so it’s important that the SODK exerts political pressure. The emergency shelters must be guaranteed. This now requires nationwide action.”