Your experience counts.
Many people wonder whether what happened to them «really» counts — whether it was serious enough to talk about or report. This page helps you make sense of it. It is not legal advice, but it gives you orientation in plain language.
The basis
What does consent mean?
Since the reform of Swiss sexual criminal law in 2024, the principle of «No means no» applies. A sexual act is only lawful if the other person has actively consented. Consent must be:
- Voluntary — free from pressure, fear, alcohol or power imbalances
- Actively communicated — silence or not resisting is not consent
- Revocable at any time — even during an act
- Given separately for each act — consenting to a kiss does not mean consenting to more
Freezing is not consent. The «freeze response» — where the body becomes rigid in a threatening situation — is a natural protective reaction of the nervous system, not a sign of agreement. Many people experience exactly this, and it does not make their experience any less real.
Terms & examples
What falls under which term?
The following definitions are based on the Swiss Criminal Code (StGB). The examples are deliberately written in everyday language — so you can recognise what applies to your experience.
Sexual harassment
Swiss Criminal Code, Art. 198Any unwanted act or statement of a sexual nature that violates a person's dignity — regardless of whether physical contact occurred.
Examples
- Unwanted comments about a person's body or appearance
- Persistent sexual messages, including from acquaintances
- Unwanted touching (arm, shoulder, buttocks)
- Showing or sending pornographic material without consent
- Repeated suggestive looks, gestures or jokes
Sexual coercion
Swiss Criminal Code, Art. 189Forcing someone into a sexual act through pressure, threats or exploitation of a situation — without penetration needing to occur.
Examples
- Kissing or touching someone after they have said no
- Pressuring or blackmailing someone into sexual acts through emotional coercion
- Physically restraining someone or preventing them from leaving
- Exploiting a power imbalance (employer, coach, carer)
Penetration without consent. Since the 2024 reform, Switzerland follows the principle of "No means no" — it is rape if the person did not consent, even without physical resistance.
Examples
- Sex that was not consented to — even within a relationship
- Sex in which a person was too intimidated to say no
- Sex after heavy alcohol or drug consumption that impaired the ability to consent
- Continuing after the person said stop
Sexual acts with an incapacitated person
Swiss Criminal Code, Art. 191Sexual acts with a person who is asleep, unconscious or otherwise unable to resist — including if they have no memory of it afterwards.
Examples
- Assault during sleep
- Assault following heavy alcohol or drug use
- Exploiting loss of consciousness after a fall or fainting
Digital assault
Swiss Criminal Code, Art. 197a (since 2023)Assaults that take place online or via messaging. Sharing intimate images without consent has been explicitly criminalised in Switzerland since 2023.
Examples
- Unsolicited nude images (cyberflashing)
- Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent ("revenge porn")
- Sexual harassment via messages, comments or social media
- Grooming — building a relationship of trust for sexual exploitation
“Why didn't I fight back? Why didn't I say anything at the time? Why did I still have normal contact with the person afterwards?”
Many people ask themselves these questions after an assault — and use them to minimise their own experience. But none of these reactions make what happened any less real or any less criminal.
Freezing is biology, not weakness. A delayed reaction is normal, not an invention. A prior relationship with the person does not change the criminality of the act. And you don't have to prove anything to anyone in order to file a report.
Support organisations
Where can I get help?
All counselling services are free, confidential and anonymous on request. You don't have to deal with this alone.
Frauenberatung Zürich
Free, confidential counselling for women and girls affected by sexual violence and assault.
Open websiteBIF Frauenberatung
Counselling centre for women in difficult life situations, crisis intervention and ongoing support.
Open websiteOBZ — Services
The Victims' Advice Centre Zürich (OBZ) offers professional support after experiences of violence.
Open websiteCanton of Zürich Victim Support
Official cantonal contact point — counselling, emergency assistance and legal support.
Open websiteKokon Zürich
Counselling and support for people who have experienced sexualised violence.
Open websiteCallisto Vault
The pioneering US project for anonymous assault reporting that Sags Luisa! is modelled on.
Open websiteReady to secure your experience?
A report on Sags Luisa! is anonymous, encrypted and commits you to nothing. You decide what happens with it.
Start a report