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Drugged rape victims could get better insurance cover

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 06:30

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Victims of chemical-submission rape should be covered by accident insurance under a Federal Council plan that has won broad backing in consultation.

Currently, sexual assaults on unconscious victims — including those drugged with GHB — are not classed as accidents, because the victim cannot prove the act was sudden. 

The reform would recognise all injuries from a sexual assault as accidents in law, opening up care benefits and lost-wage compensation. 

The most political parties and sexual assault associations all support the change, only the Swiss People’s Party opposes, calling it a system-wide exception. 

The Federal Council puts the annual cost at up to CHF 1 million, with a final decision due in the coming months.

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