More kids suffer from abuse

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A record number of children were treated for abuse last year, according to figures released by the Swiss Society of Paediatrics.

Some 2,380 children and adolescents were seen at one of the country's 19 paediatric clinics for suspected or confirmed maltreatment in 2025 — 14.2% more than the year before, and the highest total since national data collection began in 2009. 

Physical violence was the most common form while psychological abuse jumped by a third.

Nearly 70% of the suspected perpetrators came from within the family, and more than four in ten of the children affected were under six. 

One one-year-old died from physical abuse last year. The society is calling for stronger early prevention and family support.

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