In October, Germany and Estonia became the 25th and 26th countries, respectively, to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention. The Convention will enter into force for both countries on February 1, 2018.
The Istanbul Convention, named for its adoption in Istanbul, Turkey in 2011, is Europe's first comprehensive treaty designed to combat all forms of violence against women, including stalking, sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. It requires states to strengthen their efforts in four primary areas: protection of victims, prevention of violence, prosecution of perpetrators, and provision of victim services, such as shelters and medical care.
For a current chart of signatures and ratifications, please visit the Council of Europe’s website.
Compiled from: Germany Ratifies the Istanbul Convention, Council of Europe, Istanbul Convention Newsroom (October 12, 2017); Estonia ratifies the Istanbul Convention, Council of Europe, Istanbul Convention Newsroom (October 26, 2017).