The Federal Council of Switzerland has stated its intention to incorporate the notion of “non-violent parenting” into the country’s civil code. According to the Swissinfo news agency, the cabinet of ministers has opened a public consultation process for the relevant modifications, which aim to outlaw all types of physical and verbal aggression against minors.
Parental violence is already illegal in Switzerland, and everyone, including teachers, nursery workers, and after-school personnel, is required to report any incidences of suspected violence against children to the authorities.
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, on the other hand, wants to go even further by incorporating the notion of nonviolent child education into the country’s civil code. She stated that her department is already planning the necessary adjustments, with the goal of making parents raise their children “without applying any physical punishments or other forms of degrading violence.”
Meanwhile, examples of psychological violence include threats, insults, humiliation, contempt, and intimidation, as well as neglect, ostracism and isolation.
At the same time, Nicole Hitz, a researcher at the Federal Office of Justice, told Swissinfo that the inclusion of such clauses in the Swiss Civil Code had “nothing to do with the state’s desire to exercise control over education or punish violations.” Instead, the principles are intended to send a “signal” to parents and help ensure that children are not subjected to violence at home.
The Federal Council also proposes expanding and strengthening existing counseling services for parents and children, as well as making such services more accessible to Swiss families.
Child Protection Switzerland, whose CEO Regula Bernhard Hug said she was thrilled with the plan, noting that it “creates clarity and has implications.”
