Factsheet 6: Reinforcing EU level action to combat Gender-Based Violence through the Istanbul Convention

SUMMARY: Emerging global and national data show increases in gender-based violence and increases in the reported number of cases of gender-based violence against women and LGBTQI persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. The failure to finalise the adoption of the Istanbul Convention at the EU level is a contributing factor to increasing the conditions for and occurrences of gender-based violence during the pandemic.

RESISTIRE’s RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Strengthen the EU legal framework

It is crucial that the EC finalises the accession of the EU to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention.

Collect data and good practices

Funding and other resources should be allocated to ensure data collection and monitoring at the national and the EU level for gender-based violence (GBV) in cooperation with civil society organisations, universities and social workers.

Foster prevention programs and awareness campaigns

Education and training are key actions to prevent GBV.

Make sure nobody is left behind (intersectionality)

To ensure the accessibility of protection and support mechanism for all victims and survivors of gender-based violence, it is crucial to adopt a gender+ intersectional approach.