April 23, 2014

Treaty on violence against women in Europe

editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

One in three women in the EU has experienced physical or sexual assault after the age of 15, according to an EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey.

In a strong measure against what the World Health Organisation has referred to as "a public health problem of epidemic proportions", the Council of Europe has produced the first treaty in Europe to specifically target violence against women.

More than half of the Council of Europe member countries have signed the treaty and since 10 countries have now ratified it, the treaty will come into force on August 1. It will advise minimum standards on prevention, prosecution and protection services.

The 10 countries to ratify the treaty so far are: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Andorra, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey. These countries will also be required to provide additional services including hotlines, shelters and legal aid for victims.