What is the programme's purpose?

In the long run, the programme has three main objectives:

• To reduce violent behaviour in adolescents.
• To increase the sense of security among the population
• To contribute to the healthy and positive development of children and adolescents as well as their environment.

The cantons, cities and municipalities are responsible for the implementation of concrete projects in this area. The Confederation has a more subsidiary role: by strengthening structures, it allows those involved to exchange experiences and gain a comprehensive view. The two sub-programmes Learning from Each Other and Transmitting Knowledge include various activities to that end. From a broader perspective, the programme, that was launched in January 2010, is expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable and effective prevention practices in Switzerland within a five-year period.

Who is involved?

The Youth and Violence programme is based on the tripartite cooperation of the Confederation, cantons and cities/municipalities. The programme steering group wants to involve the main players in the area of youth violence prevention, and benefit from their experience and know-how.

Whom does the programme address?

The nationwide prevention programme Youth and Violence is mainly aimed at cantonal and municipal authorities  giving them support in violence prevention within the family, at school and in the community. By joining the network, experts can easily access the latest programme information. A database containing existing prevention strategies, concepts and measures also offers an insight into the prevention practices of other regions in Switzerland. Models and evaluation projects show examples of concrete, innovative measures applicable to other cases. Best practice recommendations can also be useful for the selection and implementation of suitable and effective measures. In addition, a counselling programme has been started.

Violence prevention on a local level involves not only cantonal and municipal authorities. Numerous non-governmental organisations, associations and private individuals have been working out concepts and projects on violence prevention, in some cases for many years already. Some even receive funding through a service contract with their canton or municipality. It is essential that these parties should be taken into account when formulating an overview. They can share their experiences through expert groups, conferences and topical seminars. Furthermore, they can propose their work as model projects through cantons and municipalities, or submit them for scientific evaluation.