Violence Medicine Unit

Are you a victim of violence?

People who are exposed to violence, either in isolation or repeatedly, are under big stress. This can have long-term psychological and/or physical consequences. Domestic violence, in particular, has a significant impact on the health of parents and their children. In order to break out of this cycle of violence, you can count on the support of the Valaisan network for intervention against domestic violence, of which the Violence Medicine Unit is a part.

If you have been sexually abused or if you are under 16 years of age, please contact the emergency services of the Valais Hospital for help.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.

What does the Abuse Medicine Unit offer?

This is a confidential and free consultation, financially supported by the canton of Valais, where you can tell what you have experienced in a neutral and calm environment. You will be listened to attentively.

You will be taken care of in French or German by a specialist nurse. If you speak another language, an interpreter will be made available to you free of charge. 

You can benefit from a physical examination in order to document your injuries according to the forensic standard. The unit is supported by forensic doctors.

You will be referred to various specialist advice centres and partner institutions in the Valais for further assistance. If you wish, we can also contact your GP, who plays a central role in your medical care.

Some time after the consultation, you will personally receive a detailed report of your statements and the injuries found (including photographic documentation). This report can be used to assert your rights if you decide to file a complaint. It may also be useful in other proceedings. For security reasons, we can also archive this report for you in our unit. You can retrieve it at any time.

Who can benefit from a consultation?

The violence medicine consultation is aimed at adults and young people from the age of 16 who are affected by violence:

  • in the domestic environment, such as in a couple or family, 
  • in the community, such as in public places, associations, the workplace, education, leisure activities, parties, etc. 

As violence does not always leave visible traces on the body, the consultation can take place even if there are no visible injuries, whether or not you wish to file a complaint.

Where are we located?

The unit is located on the hospital site in Sierre and is available to people from the Upper and Lower Valais.

It is located at the following address Sierre Hospital, Rue St-Charles 14 in Sierre on the 3rd floor of the "Bonne-Eau" building located at the back of the Sierre Hospital.
The unit is located on the hospital site in Sierre and is available to people from the Upper and Lower Valais.

What are our opening hours and how do I make an appointment?

You can book an appointment yourself or with the help of another person by calling 027 603 63 70 from Monday to Friday from 8.15 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m.
Consultations are by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Our unit is closed on public holidays and weekends.

If you would like to make an appointment and telephone communication is not possible, you can also contact us by e-mail at ich.violences(at)hopitalvs.ch. Don't forget to tell us how we can reach you and we will get back to you. 

We do not communicate via messaging services such as WhatsApp or others.

What is important to know?

  • The appointment is on a voluntary basis. You should allow one to two hours for the consultation. 
  • If you require documentation of injuries according to the forensic standard, the consultation should take place as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 72 hours, in the Violence Medicine Unit.  
  • If you have injuries that require medical treatment, we recommend that you go to the emergency room or to your doctor. Our unit does not treat injuries, provide time off work or offer follow-up therapy. 
  • This is a one-off consultation for each event. If you are a victim of repeated violence, you can come after each event for documentation.
  • If you have been sexually abused or if you are under 16 years of age, please contact the emergency services of the Valais Hospital for help.

Do you need an emergency response?

Emergency numbers

  • Police 117
  • Ambulances 144
  • Doctors on call 0900 144 033 (Fr. 0.50/call + Fr. 2.-/min.)

Useful contacts