I work at AppElle, the hotline for women’s shelters in the canton of Bern.

The hotline aims to provide round-the-clock protection and emergency accommodation for women affected by violence and their children. We provide advice to all people affected by violence, their relatives, and professionals who have questions on this topic.

Women’s shelters, and thus AppElle, are officially recognized victim support services by the canton and are bound by confidentiality under the Victim Support Act. This means that if you call us, we will not share the information with anyone. AppElle is free of costs, and you also have the option to remain anonymous.

Counseling is available in German and French. We can also involve an interpreter at any time.

When you call AppElle, we listen to you and work together with you to determine the next steps. We inform you about your rights and available support options under the Victim Support Act. We refer you to outpatient counseling services or organize step-by-step access to a women’s shelter.

One of AppElle's core tasks is coordinating and planning admissions to women’s shelters. We assess where there is space, where it is safe enough, how you can get there, how transport can be arranged, what you need to bring, and what you need to consider.

As part of emergency assistance under the Victim Support Act, we can provide victims of a crime with immediate support, such as emergency accommodation, bridging financial assistance, legal aid, or initial medical and therapeutic care.

If you are experiencing violence in your family or relationship, call 031 533 03 03.

I work as a victim support specialist at the Thun–Bernese Oberland Women’s Shelter. I intentionally do not mention my name, as all staff members of the women’s shelter are bound by confidentiality. A women’s shelter is a cantonally recognized victim support counseling service. It provides women and their children who have experienced domestic violence with protection, accompaniment, care, and counseling at an anonymous location. 

For example, the Thun–Bernese Oberland Women’s Shelter can accommodate six women and up to eight children. Two women share an apartment, with their own room for themselves and their children, while sharing common areas like the bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Each women’s shelter has its own specific setup. 

To admit a woman to our shelter, the following conditions must be met: 

First, the woman must qualify as a victim. This means she has experienced psychological, physical, sexualized, economic, or social violence. Second, there must be a clear need for protection. For example, it is no longer safe for her to remain in the shared home with the perpetrator, and she is at risk of further harm from them. 

Our cantonal hotline, AppElle, handles the placement triage for women’s shelters. For instance, they assess whether the location offers sufficient safety for the woman. In this case, they determine if it is safe for the woman to be in the Thun area. 

Other admission criteria include the woman’s mental stability and the absence of substance dependency. Women affected by domestic violence in the canton of Bern are entitled to 35 days of emergency assistance. This means they can stay in a women’s shelter for at least 35 days, giving them time to find peace and plan their next steps. 

During this time, the women are supported and advised by specialists in achieving their goals. The emergency assistance covers social, material, legal, medical, and psychological help. For example, the women can access up to four hours of legal counseling to address issues like filing for divorce or pressing charges. 

Often, 35 days are not enough to initiate all the necessary support measures. For instance, the woman might not yet be able to leave the shelter due to the lack of follow-up solutions, such as finding an affordable apartment. In such cases, we can apply for an extension of their stay for up to an additional 60 days. This application is submitted to the Health, Social, and Integration Directorate (GSI), which oversees the funding of the stays. 

A key requirement for extending the stay is that the woman’s need for protection remains ongoing. 

I am Natalie Schneiter. I am a social worker and work at the Domestic Violence Counseling Center of the City of Bern. The services of the Domestic Violence Counseling Center are available to all adults living in the City of Bern who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. 

Domestic violence can take many forms. It can be physical, but it can also be psychological, such as insults, threats, or controlling behavior. Sexual violence can also occur within a marriage or partnership. Domestic violence typically happens within a current or former marriage or partnership. However, other family members such as children, siblings, parents, or in-laws can also perpetrate violence. 

People who have not yet experienced violence but live in fear at home or in a relationship with frequent conflicts are also welcome to contact us. Family members or neighbors who want to know how they can help if they suspect or witness domestic violence can also reach out to us. 

Most of our consultations take place in person at our offices on Predigergasse 10. To arrange an appointment, people usually call us or contact us via email. However, we also provide advice over the phone or by email. 

We prefer to address people by their names, but if someone wishes to remain anonymous, that is completely fine with us. No one is required to tell us their name or where they live. Our consultations are free of charge. If needed, we arrange for an interpreter and cover the costs. 

During the consultations, we talk about topics that are important to the person seeking help. This may include discussing the violence they have experienced, answering legal questions, and exploring ways to escape the violence. We also accompany people to the police or other services if needed. 

It is important to note that we do not take any action without the consent of the person seeking help. Our consultations are highly confidential. We aim to create a safe space where people feel secure and can talk about their experiences. 

I find great satisfaction in seeing someone find their way out of domestic violence. However, this does not necessarily mean that our counseling ends there. We continue to provide targeted support afterward, such as guiding individuals through separation or divorce processes or arranging therapy to help them process the violence they have experienced. 

A life without violence opens up new perspectives for individuals. It is always worthwhile for those affected to seek professional counseling. Everyone has the right to live without violence, and I work every day to ensure this right.