Resolution 2084 (2015)

Promoting best practices in tackling violence against women

Author(s): Parliamentary Assembly

Origin - Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 27 November 2015 (see Doc. 13914, report of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Sahiba Gafarova).

1. Violence against women is a widespread phenomenon affecting one in three women in Europe. From domestic abuse to rape as a weapon of war, violence against women is a form of discrimination and a gross violation of human rights, threatening women's health and their social and economic well-being. Through the adoption of several texts, including Resolution 1861 (2012) on promoting the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Resolution 1963 (2013) on violence against women in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly has constantly supported the Council of Europe’s action in the field of combating violence against women.

2. With the entry into force of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS No. 210, “Istanbul Convention”), a major milestone was reached. It proved that violence against women had become an issue of great concern, ranking high on political agendas. The Council of Europe member States should maintain the momentum.

3. The Assembly recalls that national parliaments and the Parliamentary Assembly have important roles to play in the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, both as legislators and through parliamentary monitoring-related activities.

4. Acknowledging that member States have taken important measures to fight against violence against women, the Assembly wishes to bring to light good practices as a possible source of inspiration. The Assembly also commends and supports the activities of the Parliamentary Network Women Free from Violence.

5. In the light of these considerations, the Assembly calls on the Council of Europe member States to:

5.1. sign and/or ratify, if they have not yet done so, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence;

5.2. implement the provisions of the convention effectively, in light of the future findings of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) and any recommendations made by the Committee of the Parties;

5.3. draw on the experiences of other States to develop laws and strategies to effectively fight all forms of violence against women;

5.4. call on the expertise of women’s support service organisations working in the field and national human rights institutions when examining the ratification or implementation of the convention in national parliaments;

5.5. undertake research and data collection in several fields with regard to combating violence against women, including reporting by professionals, compensation procedures and delivery of residence permits;

5.6. continue to ensure adequate funding for prevention measures and for assistance and protection services for victims of all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence.