The Istanbul ConventionAnne Kraus, Council of Europe Committee

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.

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

Cornerstones of the Convention

Preventing violence

Protecting victims

Prosecuting perpetrators

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

Groundbreaking features

Recognizes violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination

1st international treaty to contain a definition of domestic violence and of gender

What does the Convention criminalize?

Domestic violence Stalking Sexual violence,

including rape

Sexual harassment

Forced marriage

Female genital mutilation

Forced abortion or forced

sterilization

Psychologicalharm

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

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.

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

Protection includesEnsuring that the needs and safety of victims are placed at the heart of all measures

Setting up specialized support services

Setting up shelters

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

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.

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

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

Leaflet available in 29 languages

http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/convention-violence/brochures_en.asp

Further information or questions

Karin Nordmeyer, Committee Chairman

knordmeyer@gmx.de

References: www.coe.int and CoE Istanbul Convention leaflet.

Read more info in the “Istanbul Convention” text handout published on the ZI website