The Advocates' Home
Feedback
The VAW Monitor
About the Site
Site Map
Disclaimer
Make A Donation
Home
What's New
Trafficking in Women
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault
Sexual Harassment
Global Gender Issues
International Law
Country Pages
Advocacy Tools
NGO Resources
Research Gateways
Expert's Corner
Calendar
National VAW Monitor Program
Explore the Issue
Research and Reports
Law and Policy
Training Materials
Drafting Laws on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls
What Is Trafficking in Women?
How Common Is Trafficking in Women?
Factors that Contribute to Trafficking in Women
Effects And Consequences Of Trafficking In Women
Protection, Support and Assistance of Victims
Prevention of Trafficking in Women
The Evolution of the Definition of Trafficking
Trafficking and Commercial Sex Work
Debt Bondage and Trafficking in Women
Distinguishing Trafficking from Illegal Migration
Trafficking Routes
Who Is Being Trafficked?
Trafficking Violates Women's Human Rights
Economic Factors
Demand for Women's Sexual Services
The Search for a Better Life and Desire to Travel
Domestic Violence
Organized Crime
Conflict Zones and Militarization
Government Policies and Practices
Health Consequences of Trafficking
Legal Consequences of Trafficking
Global Consequences of Trafficking
Trafficking and HIV/AIDS
Return And Reintegration
Common Reactions
Legal Protection
Education and Awareness Raising
Training Programs and Technical Cooperation
Lobbying
General Resources
By Institution
By Topic
Further On-Line Resources
International Legal Framework
Regional Law and Standards
The Domestic Legal Framework
List of Law and Policy Documents
UN Human Rights Law
Historical Overview
Trafficking and Women's Human Rights
The Trafficking Protocol and Recent Initiatives
UN Peacekeeping Mission Personnel and Trafficking
UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children
Council of Europe
European Union
OSCE
Stability Pact
NATO
Resources on Domestic Legislation
Guidelines on Criminal Law
Guidelines on Victim Protection and Assistance
U.S. State Department Model Law to Combat Trafficking
Defining the Offense
Scope of the Law
Criminalization of Activities Related to Trafficking
Non-Criminalization of Trafficking Victims
Legislation on Prostitution
Victim Protection and Immigration Law
Victim Assistance
Anti-Corruption Legislation
The International Legal Framework / The United Nations
Regional Law and Standards
The Domestic Legal Framework
Training Modules
Training Modules (Russian)
Training Modules (Bulgarian)
Overview
Definitions
Civil Remedies for Trafficking Victims
Immigration Provisions
Administrative and Regulatory Provisions
Tools for Developing Legislation
Bibliography
Core Elements of Legislation on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls
Sources of International Law
Drafting the Legislative Preamble
Criminal Provisions
Victim and Witness Protection and Assistance
Explore the Issue
Research and Reports
Law and Policy
Training Materials
Drafting Laws on Domestic Violence
What is Domestic Violence?
Theories of Violence
Prevalence of Domestic Violence
Effects of Domestic Violence
Coordinated Community Response
Victim Protection, Support and Assistance
Law Enforcement, Prosecutions and the Judiciary
OFPs and Family Law Issues
Batterers' Intervention Programs
Lobbying and Community Education
Forms of Domestic Violence
Women's Use of Violence
Dating Violence
Stalking
Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
LGBTQ Domestic Violence
Evolution of Theories of Violence
Other Causes and Complicating Factors
Myths About Alcohol
Health Effects
Effects on Children
Community Costs of Domestic Violence
HIV/AIDS and Other STIs
Domestic Violence and Housing
Resources for Domestic Violence and Housing Issues
Benefits of Coordination
Adapting the Duluth Model
Core Principles of Intervention
Goals and Strategies of Intervention
Community Response Participants
Role of Child Protection Services
Role of Health Care Providers
Recent Developments
Confidentiality and Support
Screening and Referral
Documentation and Reporting
Creating a Health Care Response
Advocacy Guidelines
Advocacy Approaches
Lethal and Extremely Dangerous Behavior
Lethality Assessments
Safety Planning
Shelters and Safehouses
Crisis Centers and Hotlines
Role of Police
Law Enforcement Reform
Role of Prosecutors
Prosecutorial Reform
Forensic Medical Systems
Judiciary
Officer-Involved Domestic Violence
Determining the Predominant Aggressor
Duluth Police Pocket Card
Judicial Responses to Domestic Violence
Specialized Domestic Violence Court Systems
Court Monitoring Programs
Domestic Fatality Review Boards
Orders for Protection
Child Custody Issues
Divorce and Tort Remedies
Mediation
Screening for Domestic Violence
Shuttle or Separate Mediation
Power Balancing
Research and Reports on Mediation
Counseling and Treatment
Starting a Batterers' Intervention Program
Influential US Batterers' Intervention Programs
Effectiveness of Batterers' Intervention Programs
History and Theories of Batterers' Intervention Programs in the USA
Batterers' Intervention Programs in CEE/FSU Countries
Best Practices for Batterers' Intervention Programs
United States Standards for Batterers' Intervention Programs
General Resources
By Institution
By Topic
Further On-Line Resources
International Legal Framework
Regional Law and Standards
Model Legislation
Sample National Domestic Violence Laws
Protocols and Policies
List of Law and Policy Documents
Regional Conference on Domestic Violence Legal Reform
UN Treaties and Documents
UN Conference Documents
DEVAW
Special Rapporteur
State Responsibility
European Union
Council of Europe
The U.S. Model State Code
Surveys of National Laws
U.S. Law
Sample Orders for Protection
Community Policies
Police Protocols
Prosecution Protocols
Health Care Protocols
Batterers' Intervention Programs
Protocols for Victim Support and Assistance
The International Legal Framework / The United Nations
Regional Law and Standards
Training Modules
List of Modules
General Principles
Objectives, Definitions, and Scope of Legislation
Rights of Complainants/Survivors
Coordinated Community Response and Implementation of Laws
Civil Remedies on Domestic Violence
Criminal Justice System Response to Domestic Violence
Criminal Law Provisions
International Law Issues
Tools for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Bibliography
Sources of International Law
Specific Legislation on Domestic Violence
Constructing the Preamble
Scope of Persons Protected by Law
Other Important Legislative Provisions for Assistance to Complainant/Survivors
State Agency to Establish Aid Centers
Confidentiality and Advocates
Implementation of a Coordinated Community Response
Batterers' Intervention Programs
Implementation of Domestic Violence Laws
Time Limit Between Enacting and Enforcing Laws
Order for Protection Remedies
Family Law and Divorce
Emergency or Ex Parte Order for Protection Remedy
Post-Hearing Order for Protection Remedy
Additional Provisions
Custody and Residence of Child
Competing Statutory Provisions
Visitation
Inadmissibility of "Parental Alienation Syndrome"
Confidentiality of Address
Civil Lawsuits for Damages
Duties of Police Officers
Duties of Prosecutors
Duties of Judiciary
Procedure and Evidence
Treatment or Diversion Programs for Perpetrators
Criminal Sanctions and Sentencing Provisions
Lethality or Risk Assessments
Felony Strangulation Provisions
Fatality Reviews
Conditions of Release
Explore the Issue
Research and Reports
Law and Policy
Training Materials
Drafting Laws on Sexual Assault
What is Sexual Assault?
Prevalence of Sexual Assault
Forms of Sexual Assault
Consequences of Sexual Assault
Criminal Law and Procedure
Evidentiary Issues and Forensic Medical Institutes
Law Enforcement and Prosecutions
Civil Remedies
Coordinated Crisis Intervention
Sexual Assault Advocacy Programs
Sexual Assault as a Form of Sexual Violence
Consent, Force and Coercion
Types of Sexual Contact
Theories of Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault and Vulnerable Populations
Sexual Assault and Male Dominance
Sexual Assault and Cultural Norms
Sexual Assault and the Media
Biological Theories of Sexual Assault
Marital and Intimate Partner Sexual Assault
Date and Acquaintance Sexual Assault
Custodial Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Against Refugees
Sexual Assault During Armed Conflict
Health Consequences of Sexual Assault
Victim Reactions to Sexual Assault
Consequences of Sexual Assault on the Community
Sexual Assault, HIV/AIDS and Other STIs
Defining the Prohibited Contact
Force and Resistance Requirements
Consent and Mens Rea
Procedural Obstacles
Other Law Reform Efforts
Legal Protection and Support for Victims
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
Sexual Assault Response Teams
Coordinating Councils
Health Care Provider Responses
Role of Religious Leaders
General Resources
By Institution
By Topic
Further On-Line Resources
International Legal Framework
Regional Law and Standards
National Sexual Assault Laws
Protocols and Policies
List of Law and Policy Documents
Conventions
DEVAW
UN Conference Documents
Ad Hoc International Tribunals
International Criminal Court
UN Special Rapporteurs
Council of Europe
European Union
Laws in the United States
Laws in the CEE/FSU Region
Other Approaches to Sexual Assault Law
Police Protocols
Prosecutor Protocols
Higher Education
International Legal Framework
Regional Laws and Standards
Training Modules
Training Modules (Russian)
Criminal Law on Sexual Assault
Rights of Survivors
Survivor Services
Other Legal Issues
Tools
Bibliography
Aggravating Circumstances
Sexual Assault within a Martial Relationship
Consent
Evidence
Roles and Responsibilities
Explore the Issue
Research and Reports
Law and Policy
Training Material
Drafting Laws on Sexual Harassment
What is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Theories of Sexual Harassment
Prevalence of Sexual Harassment
Effects of Sexual Harassment
Prevention of Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment Occurs at the Work Site or in a Work Related Environment
Sexual Harassment is Conduct Based on Sex or of a Sexual Nature
Sexual Harassment is Conduct that is Unwelcome or Unwanted
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment that Creates a Hostile Work Environment
Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment Must Be Severe and/or Frequent and Pervasive
Sexual Harassment and the Subordination of Women
Sexual Harassment is an Affront to Dignity
Violence and Power
Perpetuation of Gender Stereotypes
Economic Power Over Women
General Resources
By Institution
By Topic
Further On-Line Resources on Sexual Harassment
International Legal Framework
Regional Law and Standards
Domestic Legal Framework
Prevention Mechanisms, Policies and Strategies
List of Law and Policy Documents
UN Conventions
UN Conference Documents
DEVAW
Special Rapporteur
International Labor Organization
Council of Europe
European Union
European Union Treaty Charter Obligations
1976 Equal Treatment Directive and 2002 Sexual Harassment Amendment
Directive on Reversal of the Burden of Proof in Sex Discrimination Cases
EU Council and Parliamentary Resolutions
EU Commission Code of Practice on Measures to Combat Sexual Harassment
Defining Sexual Harassment
Approaches to and Remedies under Sexual Harassment Law
Employer Liability Standards
Barriers to Effective Enforcement of Sexual Harassment Law
Guidelines for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws
Civil Law
Criminal Law
Monitoring Workplace Practices and Enforcing Sexual Harassment Law
Employer Responsibilities: Sexual Harassment Policies, Trainings and Complaint Procedures
Suggestions for Employee Action
The Role of Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining
Media and Communication Strategies for Ending Sexual Harassment
Approaches to Gender Equality/ Equal Opportunity Institutions
Allowing NGOs to Bring Litigation on Behalf of Victims
A Statement of Policy
Definition of Harassment and Establishment of a Non-Retaliation Policy
Prevention Procedures/ Training
Designated Complaints Committee or Officer
Informal Complaint or Advice Mechanisms
Complaint Procedures
Investigation Procedures
Disciplinary Procedures
Measures to Correct the Effects of Sexual Harassment
Advocacy Tools for Trade Unions in Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
The Importance of Trade Unions in Combating Sexual Harassment and the Importance of Women in Trade Unions
Role of Trade Unions in Effecting Sexual Harassment Legislation and Regulation Through Political Action and Advocacy
Role of Trade Unions in Effecting Anti-sexual Harassment Policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements in the Workplace
Role of Trade Unions in Educating Workers and Other Community Members on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Issues
Role of Trade Unions in Representing Victims of Sexual Harassment and Penalties for Abusers
The European Union Directive as a Framework for Trade Unions’ Involvement with Sexual Harassment Law and Policy
Opportunities for Collaboration with Other NGOs and Governmental Agencies
Resources on the Issue of Sexual Harassment and Trade Unions
Using the Trade Union
Suggestions for the Trade Union
Resistance from the Trade Union
International Legal Framework
Regional Law and Standards
Domestic Legal Framework Around the World
Training Modules
Training Modules (Russian)
Anti-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Laws
Criminal Law
General Principles
Harassment in Education
Harassment in Employment
Harassment in Housing
Harassment in Provision of Goods, Benefits, and Services
Harassment in Sport
Tools for Drafting
References
Sexual Harassment as Discrimination
Enforcement and Oversight
Workplace Sexual Harassment as a Crime
Public Sexual Harassment
Sample Laws
Definitions and Statement of Purpose
Awareness and Monitoring
Burden of Proof
Retaliation and Remedies
Duties of Educational Institutions
Teachers/Staff as Harassers
Definitions
Theories of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Employer Obligations Under Law
Employer Liability Under Law
Prevention
Remedies
Defining Goods and Services
Humanitarian Relief and Peacekeeping Operations
Femicide
Forced and Child Marriage
Crimes Committed in the Name of "Honor"
Indigenous Women
Women with Disabilities
Gender-Based Asylum
Violence Against Women and HIV/AIDS
Female Environmental Refugees
Female Genital Mutilation
Violence against the Girl Child
Dowry-Related Violence
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
Femicide in the CEE/FSU Region
Government Response
NGO Response
Obstetric Fistula
Drafting Legislation on Forced and Child Marriage
Overview
Definitions
Civil Laws
Criminal Laws
Victims' Rights and Responding to Victims' Needs
Child Protection Provisions
Roles and Responsibilities
References
Sources of International Law
Drafting the Legislative Preamble
Defining and Establishing Consent
Establishing a Minimum Age for Consent
Developing a National Action Plan on Forced Marriages
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Human Trafficking
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: International Marriage Brokering
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Slavery, Sexual Slavery, Forced Labour and Debt Bondage
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Wife Inheritance, Levirate and Sororate Marriages
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Bride Kidnapping
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Bounty Hunting
Defining Other Forms of Forced Marriage: Forced and Child Marriage as Settlement
Polygamous Marriages
Addressing Customary Laws and Practices That Conflict with Formal Laws
Other Related Offences: Criminalization of Marital Rape
Other Related Offences: Acts of Retribution and Intimidation
Long-term Support for Victims
Addressing Forced Marriages Involving Immigrant Women and Girls
Addressing Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Addressing Forced Marriages Involving Victims Outside Their Country-of-Residence
Annulment of a Forced Marriage and Divorce
Core Elements in Child Protection Laws and Systems to Protect against Forced and Child Marriage
Orders for Protection
Parental Intervention and Travel Restrictions
Duties of Police
Duties of Prosecutors
Prevention of Forced and Child Marriages
Public Awareness
Statistics Gathering
Trainings
Prevalence
Consequences
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
Governmental and Non-Governmental Response
Drafting Laws on Crimes Committed in the Name of "Honor"
General Principles
Legal Reform
Roles and Responsibilities
Victim Protection
Child Protection
References
Defining "Honor" Crimes
National Plan of Action
Addressing Customary Law
Criminalization
Forced Suicides and Decriminalization of Adultery
Defenses
Sentencing Provisions
Private Settlements, Accompanying Domestic Violence Legislation and Immigration Laws
Police
Judiciary
Prosecutors
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
NGO and Government Response
Research and Reports
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Consequences
Law and Policy
Prevention
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
NGO Response
Canada
European Union
United Kingdom
United States
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Consequences
Law and Policy
NGO and Governmental Response
Research and Reports
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Consequences
Law and Policy
Research and Reports
Governmental and Non-Governmental Response
Prevalence
Consequences
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
Governmental and Non-governmental Response
Drafting Laws on Female Genital Mutilation
General Principles
Clear and Precise Definition of FGM
Criminalization
Child Protection Provisions
Victims' Rights and Responding to Needs
State Roles and Responsibilities
Broader Coordinated Policies
Tools for Drafting Laws on Female Genital Mutilation
Bibliography
National Plan and Strategy
Drafting the Legislative Preamble
Translation, Statistics, and Funding
Time Frame for Enforcement and Amendments
Removal of Conflicting Provisions
Clear Definition of Crime and Liability
Sentencing Provisions
Enhanced Penalties
Prohibition of Medicalization
Criminalization of Aiding and Abetting
Duty to Report
Mitigation
Consent
Extraterritoriality
Applying for an Order for Protection
Copy of Order to Law Enforcement
Procedure
Restitution and Compensation for Survivors
Civil Lawsuits
Immigration and Asylum
Prosecutor Protocol
Regulations and Administrative Provisions
Coordinated Community Response
Public Education
Training of Professionals
Regional, National, and International Cooperation Protocols
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
Law and Policy
Government and NGO Responses
Prevalence
Causes and Risk Factors
United Nations Systems
European System
United Nations Documents That Protect Women's Rights
Enforcement Mechanisms In The United Nations
United Nations Entities
Women's Convention
General Recommendation 19
DEVAW
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
Basic Human Rights Documents
Thematic Human Rights Documents
Conference Documents
CEDAW Decisions
Complaint Mechanisms
Reporting and Monitoring Mechanisms
Major United Nations Enforcement Bodies
Exhaustion of Domestic Remedies
Guidelines for Submitting Complaints to the UN
Human Rights Council
UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
UN Commission on the Status of Women
UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women
UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
UN Human Rights Committee
UN Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
UN Committee Against Torture
Complaint Mechanism