The Federal Council calls for a comprehensive strategy against domestic violence and changes to family law.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Federal Council the resolution "A holistic concept against domestic violence – closing gaps in family court procedural law" was adopted, thus calling on the Federal Government to take action.

What the Federal Council demands

The Federal Council notes: Domestic violence is on the rise – and family court procedural law is not keeping pace. The resolution calls for a comprehensive concept that addresses protection against violence and Child law more consistently interlocked. 

Specifically, the Federal Council demands, among other things, that protection from violence be given greater priority in family court proceedings and that the flow of information between protection from violence and child custody proceedings be improved – so that children and their mothers are not endangered again by family court decisions.

Long-standing demand of FHK

For the Women's Shelter Coordination Association (FHK), the Federal Council's resolution is an important political signal – and a confirmation of what FHK has observed in its professional practice for years. and demands politicallyThe principle of "protection from violence before visitation rights" must be enshrined in law. 

Children who seek refuge in women's shelters together with their mothers are often themselves victims of violence or have witnessed it. Family court decisions and procedures that do not adequately consider this context can be detrimental to them. to renewed endangerment . 

Therefore, women affected by violence and their children should no longer be obligated to maintain regular contact with the perpetrator in the context of custody and visitation arrangements. 

Now the federal government must act.

The resolution will be forwarded to the Federal Government. Whether the government adopts the demands is its responsibility. FHK expects this clear signal from the Federal Council to be taken seriously – and appeals to the Federal Government to create the necessary legal changes.