To mark the occasion of the Council Decision on the signing of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), First Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Jourová have issued a joint statement:

"Violence against women is a violation of human rights and a brutal form of discrimination. One in three women in Europe has experienced violence at least once in her life.

The Council's decision today is a significant step towards the EU becoming – along with its Member States – a full party to the Convention preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention). This is the first binding and comprehensive international instrument in Europe that addresses violence against women"….

Click here to read the full statement

Background

The Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe is the most comprehensive international treaty on combatting violence against women and domestic violence. It recognises violence against women as a human rights violation. The Convention addresses violence against women through measures aimed at preventing violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting the perpetrators.

As a next step, the EU will now proceed with the conclusion of the Convention.

For more information

Factsheet on the EU actions to fight violence against women

Factsheet on the Istanbul Convention

Say no! Stop violence against women campaign