“There are some things that need to be improved”

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The musician Julie Hugo (42) not only experienced a brutal rape, the follow-up process in court was also terrible for her. “It’s like I was raped a second time – by the authorities,” Hugo tells Blick. The procedure was again traumatizing, she describes.

Politicians show understanding for Hugo’s complaints. With the ongoing review of sex criminal law, she is tackling part of the problem. The will of the victim is central here and not his behavior towards the perpetrator. In the future, rape will no longer be just when someone forces a victim into violent sex. Rather, it is a criminal offense if someone performs sexual acts against their will.

In March, Parliament also called for the establishment of crisis centers for victims of sexual violence in all regions of Switzerland. Victims there must receive comprehensive medical and psychological first aid and support from specialized personnel.

Not a crime like any other

That’s not all, says SP alderman Tamara Funiciello (33) to Blick. There are a number of things that still need to be improved. There is therefore a need for better training of judges, police officers or the public prosecutor’s office. According to Funiciello, they are sometimes still very insensitive to victims of sexual violence. “It is important that those affected receive victim- and trauma-sensitive first aid immediately after a violent act.”

According to Funiciello, it is inevitable that victims will have to tell the justice authorities again in detail about the nasty events. In the process, sex offenses would be treated exactly the same as any other crime. “That won’t work.”

Sanctions too lenient?

The pressure for higher sentences is also increasing in politics. SVP National Council member Andrea Geissbühler (46) wants to ensure that no more suspended sentences are handed down for rapes in the future – but perpetrators must be behind bars. “I am very disturbed by the suspended fines and prison sentences. In Switzerland we have such lax sentences for sex offenses as hardly anywhere else.” (she)

Source:Blick