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For those affected and their families
If you were a victim of compulsory social measures or placements in Switzerland before 1981, you can apply for a solidarity contribution. Other options are also available to support victims and their families in coming to terms with the past.
The solidarity contribution
The solidarity contribution of 25,000 francs is a symbol of society’s recognition of the pain and injustice inflicted on those affected.
Can I receive the contribution?
To receive the solidarity contribution, you must be recognised as a victim under the law. You can apply for the contribution if all of the following points apply to you:
- You were subjected to compulsory social measures or a placement in Switzerland prior to 1981.
- As a result, you experienced physical, emotional or sexual harm, or your development was severely impaired.
Examples include:
- former contract children (indentured child labourers) and children placed in homes or foster care who experienced violence, sexual abuse or exploitation
- Persons who were committed to a closed institution (subject to administrative detention) without a court ruling
- Persons who were coerced or forced to give up their child for adoption
- Persons who were coerced or forced to undergo sterilisation or castration
- Persons who who were given medicines or forced to take part in medical trials without their knowledge or against their will
You can submit the application at any time throughout your life.
How do I apply?
Follow these steps:
You can complete the form with the help of the cantonal contact point, who will assist you with everything, including starting the file search. This service is free of charge and the employees have been trained to provide it. If you choose this option, simply make an appointment with the contact point in your canton.
Or:
You can submit the request yourself and initiate a file search with the relevant cantonal archives. In this case:
- Download the application form, instructions and information sheet from the website. Alternatively, order paper copies of these documents along with those for compulsory social measures and placements, from the unit.
- The instructions will help you fill out the form.
- Complete the application form either on your computer or by printing it out and filling it in by hand.
- Start a file search in the canton where you were living when you were placed.
- Send the completed and signed form, together with the required documents, to the Federal Office of Justice.
Who should I contact if I need support?
There is a contact point and a cantonal archive in every canton. They can provide support to you and your family in various situations.
Contact points
The professionals at the contact point can do the following for you, for example:
- Listen to you if you want to talk about your distressing experiences.
- They can assist you if you have questions about the next steps.
- Help you submit an application for a solidarity contribution.
- Help you access your files.
- They can accompany you as you inspect your files.
- If needed, they can provide you with further contacts, such as authorities or archives.
The consultation is free, confidential and anonymous if desired.
Cantonal archives
The employees of the cantonal archives:
- Search for the files. These are documents from guardianship authorities, care homes and institutions, or court documents.
- Coordinate the file search in collaboration with other archives
- Put together a file containing your documents
Why is it important to search for files?
It is important to search for files because:
- The files contain important information about your life story.
- The files can help you to understand your past better.
The Guido Fluri Foundation has published a Guide to help you search for files. This can help you find your documents.
What might be difficult?
- Many files are incomplete or missing.
- The language used in the files is often hurtful or degrading.
- It can be very painful to read these texts. You may feel sad, hurt or helpless.
What should I do if there are errors in my files?
If there is incorrect information in your files, such as an incorrect name or date of birth, you can have it corrected.
If you disagree with any of the information in the files, you can submit an objection statement. This is a text in which you set out your views on the matter. This text will be added to your file. The contact point or state archives will assist you with this.
Further options
The effects of compulsory social measures and placements are still being felt today. Many people are still struggling with the consequences. Some of those were affected have a positive experience telling their story. The Erzählbistro, or “storytelling bistro”, is a good place to do this, as it regularly hosts encounters with other affected people. Second-generation affected individuals are also welcome.
Sharing your story can provide relief and help you to better understand your experience. You could talk about it with your doctor or the Social Services office, for example. This will help others to understand your situation and provide you with appropriate support. If you require specific assistance in dealing with authorities, other affected persons of the Caregivers Association are available to assist you.
Help people to help themselves
Would you like to work on a project that helps victims and other affected individuals to become more independent? You can apply for financial assistance for self-help projects: www.bj.admin.ch