Today, 1 October 2023, the Istanbul Convention will enter into force in the EU. The Istanbul Convention is a comprehensive legal framework to protect women against all forms of violence. It aims to prevent, prosecute and eliminate violence against women and domestic violence and to implement comprehensive and coordinated policies.
The EU as a whole agrees to be bound by the Convention and Member States will have to implement measures. Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová said: «Violence against women is a scourge of our democratic societies. One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Too many of them do not tell. Too many offenders go unpunished. We must act, and the Istanbul Convention is our legal response to strengthen women’s rights. We will continue to encourage Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent violence against women and to ensure effective protection and support for all victims».
Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli said: «The entry into force of the Istanbul Convention is an important step for the EU. It recognises that violence against women is a violation of their fundamental rights. For all of us to live in a fair and just European Union, women and girls must be able to live free from daily insecurity, fear and violence. Today’s historic entry into force is a good step in this direction.