Zurich opens second shelter for children facing violence at home

A second location of Zurich’s Schlupfhuus crisis intervention service has opened, adding seven beds for children aged 10 to 14 who need protection, SRF reports.

Schlupfhuus director Lucas Maissen says the service has about 200 children each year who need a place but cannot be offered a bed. The number turned away has doubled in just a few years. The new location opened in central Zurich in early June in response.

Children and young people can contact the service or come in without a referral from the child and adult protection authority. Once a child is safe, staff inform the parents by phone. The address is sometimes kept secret for protection reasons, Maissen says. Staff also work with children, parents and other professionals to find lasting ways to improve the situation at home.

Children and young people stay at Schlupfhuus for almost two months on average. About 40 percent return home with social and educational support; others move to a residential home or supported accommodation.

Reports of violence at home have also increased at Pro Juventute. The foundation says its 147 hotline handled an average of 22 consultations a day last year, up from seven to eight a day in 2021. Specialists say many cases may go unreported.

Selina, whose name has been changed, sought help at Schlupfhuus late last year after repeated violent arguments with her mother. She said one episode lasted two to three hours. The 18-year-old says her stay helped her make her own decisions while knowing support was available. She now lives in a supported apartment and says she has found inner peace, without arguments or fear.