In Switzerland, "No means no" when it comes to sex from now on

Sexual criminal law - In Switzerland, "No means no" when it comes to sex from now on

In Switzerland, a strictened sexual offense law applies from now on. According to the principle "No means No," rape, sexual assault, or sexual coercion now occur when such actions take place against the will of the victim. Not only words or gestures of refusal are taken into account, but also when the victim freezes out of fear.

Until now, rape or sexual coercion under Swiss law only occurred when the perpetrator or perpetrator threatened or used violence against the victim. In Germany, a similar "No means No" regulation has been in effect since 2016.

According to the amended Swiss law, secretly removing a condom during sex is prohibited. The Federal Office of Justice in Bern states that this practice is not explicitly mentioned in the law, but it falls under the newly formulated Paragraph 190, which punishes sex against someone's will with up to five years of imprisonment.

Sexual Offenses Paragraph

1. The strictened sexual offense law in Switzerland, influenced by the principle "No means No," has broadened the definition of rape and sexual assault to include actions taken against the victim's will, even in the absence of explicit verbal or physical resistance.
2. The amended sexual criminal law in Switzerland now considers sexual assaults, including rape and coercion, as crimes, regardless of whether the perpetrator used or threatened violence, but also if the victim showed signs of freezing out of fear.
3. In response to rising rates of sexual assaults, the Swiss Justice system, located in Bern, has emphasized the importance of addressing sexual crimes, and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy, following Germany's lead in implementing the "No means No" principle in 2016.
4. The Federal Office of Justice in Bern has clarified that secretly removing a condom during sexual intercourse falls under the newly expanded definition of sexual offense, and can be punished under Paragraph 190 of the Swiss Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison for crimes against someone's will.
5. The new sexual criminal law in Switzerland is a milestone in the fight against sexual assaults and rape, as it is now more inclusive in defining and punishing these crimes, and promotes justice and accountability for victims of sexual criminal acts.

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