The Istanbul Convention Anne Kraus, Council of Europe
Committee
Slide 2
Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights
are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve
her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all
resources and are represented in decision making positions on an
equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of
violence.
Slide 3
What is The Istanbul Convention? The Council of Europe (CoE)
Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and
Domestic Violence The most far reaching international treaty to
tackle this serious violation of human rights Aims at zero
tolerance and is a major step forward in making Europe and beyond
safer
Slide 4
Cornerstones of the Convention Preventing violenceProtecting
victims Prosecuting perpetrators
Slide 5
Changing attitudes Seeks to change the hearts and minds of
individuals Calls on all members of society, particularly men and
boys, to change their attitudes Renewed call for greater equality
between women and men Recognizes violence against women is deeply
rooted in inequality in society Recognizes violence against women
is perpetuated by a culture of intolerance and denial
Slide 6
Groundbreaking features Recognizes violence against women as a
violation of human rights and a form of discrimination 1 st
international treaty to contain a definition of domestic violence
and of gender
Slide 7
What does the Convention criminalize? Domestic violence
Stalking Sexual violence, including rape Sexual harassment Forced
marriage Female genital mutilation Forced abortion or forced
sterilization Psychological harm Psychological harm
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Calls for state agencies and services to coordinate Violence
against women and domestic violence are tackled in a coordinated
way Agencies and NGOs should not act alone, but work out protocols
for cooperation
Slide 9
What does the Convention require states to do? It requires
states/ governments to implement gender equality policies and to
empower women. It is not about treating women as helpless victims
but about making sure they can rebuild their own lives and that of
their families and communities.
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Prevention involves Changing attitudes, gender roles and
stereotypes Training professionals working with victims Raising
awareness Providing teaching material on equality at all levels of
education Cooperation and reaching out to the public
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Protection includes Ensuring that the needs and safety of
victims are placed at the heart of all measures Setting up
specialized support services Setting up shelters
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Prosecution ensures that: Violence against women is
criminalized and punished Excuses on the grounds of culture,
custom, religion or so-called honor are unacceptable Victims have
access to special protection measures Law enforcement agencies
respond immediately
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Integrated policies Ensure that all of the aforementioned
measures form part of a comprehensive and coordinated set of
policies and offer a holistic response to violence against women
and domestic violence.
Slide 14
Who is covered by the Convention? All women and girls From any
background Regardless of age, race, religion, social origin,
migrant status or sexual orientation Special groups Women and girls
at greater risk of violence States need to ensure their specific
needs are taken into account
Slide 15
How is the implementation of the Convention monitored? Group of
Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic
Violence (GREVIO) An independent expert body Committee of the
Parties Political body composed of official representatives of the
States Parties of the Convention It elects the GREVIO
Slide 16
Leaflet available in 29 languages
http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-
violence/brochures_en.asp
Slide 17
Further information or questions Karin Nordmeyer, Committee
Chairman [email protected] Karin Nordmeyer, Committee Chairman
[email protected] References: www.coe.intwww.coe.int and CoE
Istanbul Convention leaflet. References: www.coe.intwww.coe.int and
CoE Istanbul Convention leaflet. Read more info in the Istanbul
Convention text handout published on the ZI website
