Two reports. Same abuser. No connection.
Two people independently report the same abuser to the police — and, as a rule, never learn of each other. That’s not an oversight, it’s a consequence of the law as it stands. Closing exactly that gap is why Sags Luisa! exists.
This reflects practice in the Canton of Zurich and depends on the stage of the case. Other cantons may differ. This is background information, not legal advice — for an actual case, only a lawyer can help.
The scenario
One abuser, two victims, two separate files.
Report #1
A survivor files a report with their local police station against the abuser.
Same abuser, new victim
In another part of the city, the same abuser assaults another person.
Report #2
The second victim files a report — at a different police station, which knows nothing of the first report.
The question
Is the police allowed to tell the two victims that they reported the same abuser?
The short answer
Usually, no.
Zurich police should not simply tell either victim that another identified victim has reported the same alleged abuser. They can cross-reference the two reports internally and assign them to the same prosecutor — that’s not the same as telling Victim A about Victim B.
What police may — and may not — do
Coordinate, yes. Disclose, no.
May do
- Cross-reference the two reports internally
- Check whether they concern the same alleged perpetrator
- Preserve evidence and coordinate or combine the investigations
- Assign both cases to the same prosecutor
Normally may not do
- Tell Victim A that Victim B has also filed a report
- Share the other person's name, contact details, or statement
- This applies in both directions — regardless of who reported first
In detail
When could disclosure even be possible?
Police internally cross-reference the two reports
Permitted — and usually appropriate for the investigation.
Police reveal the other victim's name, contact details, or statement
Normally not permitted — without that victim's explicit consent or a specific legal basis.
Police tell each victim, without identifying the other, that there may be similar allegations
Potentially possible, but must be assessed case by case by the prosecutor or case lead.
Both victims give informed, explicit consent to contact or limited mutual disclosure
Usually the clearest route — subject to the investigation's own safeguards.
A joint criminal case gives both victims party status
File access may become available depending on the case stage, but remains subject to redactions and confidentiality restrictions.
Legal basis
What this rests on.
Cantonal data-protection law, the Swiss Criminal Procedure Code, and a Federal Supreme Court ruling — together they add up to the picture above.
Allows disclosure of police-system data to justice and police authorities for their statutory tasks, subject to confidentiality.
Zurich public bodies may disclose sensitive personal data only with a formal-law basis, explicit individual consent, or to avert imminent danger.
Authorities must refuse, limit, or postpone disclosure where overriding public or private interests oppose it — including a third person's privacy.
Requires authorities to protect a victim's personality rights throughout the proceedings.
The duty to inform a victim at the first interview covers their own rights, victim support, and compensation — not a general right to be told about another victim.
Governs file access. A non-party gets access only exceptionally, with a demonstrated personal protected interest.
The Federal Supreme Court holds that criminal-file access is not a general information right — a third party's protected interest is recognised only exceptionally.
What you can actually do
Two steps that help.
- 1Tell the assigned officer or prosecutor in writing that you consent to being named as willing to be contacted by another reporting victim.
- 2Ask the authority to consider coordinating the cases, and whether the other person has given equivalent consent.
Police should not hand over the other person’s contact details unless that person has separately agreed. If either victim has made a formal private-claimant declaration in the criminal case, they or their lawyer can also request file access from the prosecutor.
Closing exactly this gap is what Sags Luisa! does.
Police can’t simply put you in touch with each other. Sags Luisa! can — anonymously, encrypted, without anyone having to come forward publicly first.