Graubünden plans new law to combat domestic violence

The Canton of Graubünden plans to implement a new law to strengthen the fight against domestic and gender-based violence. The government has approved a message for the Grand Council to be addressed during the October 2026 session.

A central component of the legislation is the permanent legal anchoring of interdisciplinary cooperation among all involved parties. This includes securing the existing work of the ‘Round Table on Domestic Violence’ and ensuring the Coordination Office for Domestic Violence at the Cantonal Social Office continues to facilitate cooperation between authorities, specialized agencies, and private organizations.

To improve prevention and combatting efforts, the law will establish a cantonal data collection system. This anonymized database will track various factors, including types of violence, relationships between parties, age, gender, and geographic aspects, to help identify trends and implement targeted measures. The law aligns with the definitions set by the Istanbul Convention and covers physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence within current or former partnerships and family relationships.