Ligestillingsudvalget 2012-13
LIU Alm.del Bilag 77
Offentligt
12 April, 2011
Council of Europe Convention on preventingand combating violence against women anddomestic violence
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Preamble ............................................................................................................................. 5Chapter I – Purposes, definitions, equality and non-discrimination, general obligations .. 7Article 1 – Purposes of the Convention .......................................................................... 7Article 2 – Scope of the Convention ............................................................................... 7Article 3 – Definitions .................................................................................................... 7Article 4 – Fundamental rights, equality and non-discrimination .................................. 8Article 5 – State obligations and due diligence .............................................................. 9Article 6 – Gender-sensitive policies .............................................................................. 9Chapter II – Integrated policies and data collection ........................................................... 9Article 7 – Comprehensive and co-ordinated policies .................................................... 9Article 8 – Financial resources ..................................................................................... 10Article 9 – Non-governmental organisations and civil society..................................... 10Article 10 – Co-ordinating body ................................................................................... 10Article 11 – Data collection and research ..................................................................... 10Chapter III – Prevention.................................................................................................... 11Article 12 – General obligations ................................................................................... 11Article 13 – Awareness-raising..................................................................................... 11Article 14 – Education .................................................................................................. 12Article 15 – Training of professionals .......................................................................... 12Article 16 – Preventive intervention and treatment programmes ................................. 12Article 17 – Participation of the private sector and the media ...................................... 13Chapter IV – Protection and support ................................................................................ 13Article 18 – General obligations ................................................................................... 13Article 19 – Information ............................................................................................... 14Article 20 – General support services ........................................................................... 14Article 21 – Assistance in individual/collective complaints ......................................... 14Article 22 – Specialist support services ........................................................................ 14Article 23 – Shelters...................................................................................................... 15Article 24 – Telephone helplines .................................................................................. 15Article 25 – Support for victims of sexual violence ..................................................... 15Article 26 – Protection and support for child witnesses ............................................... 15Article 27 – Reporting .................................................................................................. 15Article 28 – Reporting by professionals ....................................................................... 15Chapter V – Substantive law............................................................................................. 16Article 29 – Civil lawsuits and remedies ...................................................................... 16Article 30 – Compensation ........................................................................................... 16Article 31 – Custody, visitation rights and safety ......................................................... 16Article 32 – Civil consequences of forced marriages ................................................... 17Article 33 – Psychological violence ............................................................................. 17Article 34 – Stalking ..................................................................................................... 17Article 35 – Physical violence ...................................................................................... 17Article 36 – Sexual violence, including rape ................................................................ 17Article 37 – Forced marriage ........................................................................................ 17Article 38 – Female genital mutilation ......................................................................... 18Article 39 – Forced abortion and forced sterilisation ................................................... 18Article 40 – Sexual harassment..................................................................................... 18
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Article 41 – Aiding or abetting and attempt ................................................................. 18Article 42 – Unacceptable justifications for crimes, including crimes committed in thename of so-called “honour” .......................................................................................... 19Article 43 – Application of criminal offences .............................................................. 19Article 44 – Jurisdiction ................................................................................................ 19Article 45 – Sanctions and measures ............................................................................ 20Article 46 – Aggravating circumstances ....................................................................... 20Article 47 – Sentences passed by another Party ........................................................... 21Article 48 – Prohibition of mandatory alternative dispute resolution processes orsentencing ..................................................................................................................... 21Chapter VI – Investigation, prosecution, procedural law and protective measures.......... 21Article 49 – General obligations ................................................................................... 21Article 50 – Immediate response, prevention and protection ....................................... 22Article 51 – Risk assessment and risk management ..................................................... 22Article 52 – Emergency barring orders......................................................................... 22Article 53 – Restraining or protection orders ............................................................... 22Article 54 – Investigations and evidence ...................................................................... 23Article 56 – Measures of protection.............................................................................. 23Article 57 – Legal aid ................................................................................................... 24Article 58 – Statute of limitation .................................................................................. 24Chapter VII – Migration and asylum ................................................................................ 25Article 59 – Residence status ........................................................................................ 25Article 60 – Gender-based asylum claims .................................................................... 25Article 61 – Non-refoulement ....................................................................................... 26Chapter VIII – International co-operation ........................................................................ 26Article 62 – General principles ..................................................................................... 26Article 63 – Measures relating to persons at risk.......................................................... 27Article 64 – Information ............................................................................................... 27Article 65 – Data Protection ......................................................................................... 27Chapter IX – Monitoring mechanism ............................................................................... 28Article 66 – Group of experts on action against violence against women and domesticviolence ......................................................................................................................... 28Article 67 – Committee of the Parties........................................................................... 29Article 68 – Procedure .................................................................................................. 29Article 69 – General recommendations ........................................................................ 31Article 70 – Parliamentary involvement in monitoring ................................................ 31Chapter X – Relationship with other international instruments........................................ 31Article 71 – Relationship with other international instruments .................................... 31Chapter XI – Amendments to the Convention.................................................................. 32Article 72 – Amendments ............................................................................................. 32Chapter XII – Final clauses............................................................................................... 32Article 73 – Effects of this Convention ........................................................................ 32Article 74 – Dispute settlement..................................................................................... 32Article 75 – Signature and entry into force ................................................................... 33Article 76 – Accession to the Convention .................................................................... 33Article 77 – Territorial application ............................................................................... 33
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Article 78 – Reservations .............................................................................................. 34Article 79 – Validity and review of reservations .......................................................... 34Article 80 – Denunciation ............................................................................................. 35Article 81 – Notification ............................................................................................... 35
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PreambleThememberStatesoftheCouncilofEuropeandtheothersignatorieshereto,Recalling the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and FundamentalFreedoms(ETSNo.5,1950)anditsProtocols,theEuropeanSocialCharter(ETSNo.35,1961,revisedin1996,ETSNo.163),theCouncilofEuropeConventiononActionagainstTrafficking in Human Beings (CETS No. 197, 2005) and the Council of EuropeConventionontheProtectionofChildrenagainstSexualExploitationandSexualAbuse(CETSNo.201,2007);Recalling the following recommendations of the Committee of Ministers to memberStatesoftheCouncilofEurope:RecommendationRec(2002)5ontheprotectionofwomenagainst violence, Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)17 on gender equality standards andmechanisms, Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)10 on the role of women and men inconflict prevention and resolution and in peace building, and other relevantrecommendations;TakingaccountofthegrowingbodyofcaselawoftheEuropeanCourtofHumanRightswhichsetsimportantstandardsinthefieldofviolenceagainstwomen;Having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), theInternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966), the UnitedNationsConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen(“CEDAW”,1979)anditsOptionalProtocol(1999)aswellasGeneralRecommendationNo. 19 of the CEDAW Committee on violence against women, the United NationsConvention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and its Optional Protocols (2000) and theUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsofPersonswithDisabilities(2006);HavingregardtotheRomeStatuteoftheInternationalCriminalCourt(2002);Recalling the basic principles of international humanitarian law, and especially theGeneva Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War(1949)andtheAdditionalProtocolsIandII(1977)thereto;Condemningallformsofviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence;Recognisingthattherealisationofdejureanddefactoequalitybetweenwomenandmenisakeyelementinthepreventionofviolenceagainstwomen;Recognising that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequalpower relations between women and men, which have led to domination over, anddiscriminationagainst,womenbymenandtothepreventionofthefulladvancementofwomen;
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Recognising the structural nature of violence against women as gender‐based violence,and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by whichwomenareforcedintoasubordinatepositioncomparedwithmen;Recognising, with grave concern, that women and girls are often exposed to seriousforms of violence such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage,crimes committed in the name of so‐called “honour” and genital mutilation, whichconstitute a serious violation of the human rights of women and girls and a majorobstacletotheachievementofequalitybetweenwomenandmen;Recognising the ongoing human rights violations during armed conflicts that affect thecivilianpopulation,especiallywomenintheformofwidespreadorsystematicrapeandsexual violence and the potential for increased gender‐based violence both during andafterconflicts;Recognisingthatwomenandgirlsareexposedtoahigherriskofgender‐basedviolencethanmen;Recognisingthatdomesticviolenceaffectswomendisproportionately,andthatmenmayalsobevictimsofdomesticviolence;Recognising that children are victims of domestic violence, including as witnesses ofviolenceinthefamily;AspiringtocreateaEuropefreefromviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence,Haveagreedasfollows:
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ChapterI–Purposes,definitions,equalityandnon‐discrimination,generalobligationsArticle1–PurposesoftheConvention1ThepurposesofthisConventionareto:aprotect women against all forms of violence, and prevent, prosecute andeliminateviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence;bcontributetotheeliminationofallformsofdiscriminationagainstwomenandpromote substantive equality between women and men, including byempoweringwomen;cdesignacomprehensiveframework,policiesandmeasuresfortheprotectionofandassistancetoallvictimsofviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence;dpromote international co‐operation with a view to eliminating violenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence;eprovidesupportandassistancetoorganisationsandlawenforcementagenciestoeffectivelyco‐operateinordertoadoptanintegratedapproachtoeliminatingviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence.2In order to ensure effective implementation of its provisions by the Parties, thisConventionestablishesaspecificmonitoringmechanism.
Article2–ScopeoftheConvention1This Convention shall apply to all forms of violence against women, includingdomesticviolence,whichaffectswomendisproportionately.2Parties are encouraged to apply this Convention to all victims of domestic violence.Parties shall pay particular attention to women victims of gender‐based violence inimplementingtheprovisionsofthisConvention.3ThisConventionshallapplyintimesofpeaceandinsituationsofarmedconflict.
Article3–DefinitionsForthepurposeofthisConvention:
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a“violenceagainstwomen”isunderstoodasaviolationofhumanrightsandaform of discrimination against women and shall mean all acts of gender‐basedviolencethatresultin,orarelikelytoresultin,physical,sexual,psychologicaloreconomicharmorsufferingtowomen,includingthreatsofsuchacts,coercionorarbitrarydeprivationofliberty,whetheroccurringinpublicorinprivatelife;b“domestic violence” shall mean all acts of physical, sexual, psychological oreconomic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or betweenformerorcurrentspousesorpartners,whetherornottheperpetratorsharesorhassharedthesameresidencewiththevictim;c“gender”shallmeanthesociallyconstructedroles,behaviours,activitiesandattributesthatagivensocietyconsidersappropriateforwomenandmen;d“gender‐based violence against women” shall mean violencethat is directedagainst a woman because she is a woman or that affects womendisproportionately;e“victim”shallmeananynaturalpersonwhoissubjecttotheconductspecifiedinpointsaandb;f“women”includesgirlsundertheageof18.
Article4–Fundamentalrights,equalityandnon‐discrimination1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeandothermeasurestopromoteandprotecttherightforeveryone,particularlywomen,tolivefreefromviolenceinboththepublicandtheprivatesphere.2Partiescondemnallformsofdiscriminationagainstwomenandtake,withoutdelay,thenecessarylegislativeandothermeasurestopreventit,inparticularby:–embodyingintheirnationalconstitutionsorotherappropriatelegislationtheprinciple of equality between women and men and ensuring the practicalrealisationofthisprinciple;prohibiting discrimination against women, including through the use ofsanctions,whereappropriate;abolishinglawsandpracticeswhichdiscriminateagainstwomen.
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3TheimplementationoftheprovisionsofthisConventionbytheParties,inparticularmeasurestoprotecttherightsofvictims,shallbesecuredwithoutdiscriminationonanyground such as sex, gender, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion,national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth, sexualorientation, gender identity, age, state of health, disability, marital status, migrant orrefugeestatus,orotherstatus.
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4Specialmeasuresthatarenecessarytopreventandprotectwomenfromgender‐basedviolenceshallnotbeconsidereddiscriminationunderthetermsofthisConvention.
Article5–Stateobligationsandduediligence1PartiesshallrefrainfromengaginginanyactofviolenceagainstwomenandensurethatStateauthorities,officials,agents,institutionsandotheractorsactingonbehalfoftheStateactinconformitywiththisobligation.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative and other measures to exercise duediligence to prevent, investigate, punish and provide reparation for acts of violencecoveredbythescopeofthisConventionthatareperpetratedbynon‐Stateactors.
Article6–Gender‐sensitivepoliciesParties shall undertake to include a gender perspective in the implementation andevaluation of the impact of the provisions of this Convention and to promote andeffectively implement policies of equality between women and men and theempowermentofwomen.
ChapterII–IntegratedpoliciesanddatacollectionArticle7–Comprehensiveandco‐ordinatedpolicies1PartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeandothermeasurestoadoptandimplementState‐wideeffective,comprehensiveandco‐ordinatedpoliciesencompassingallrelevantmeasures to prevent and combat all forms of violence covered by the scope of thisConventionandofferaholisticresponsetoviolenceagainstwomen.2Parties shall ensure that policies referred to in paragraph 1 place the rights of thevictimatthecentreofallmeasuresandareimplementedbywayofeffectiveco‐operationamongallrelevantagencies,institutionsandorganisations.3Measurestakenpursuanttothisarticleshallinvolve,whereappropriate,allrelevantactors, such as government agencies, the national, regional and local parliaments andauthorities,nationalhumanrightsinstitutionsandcivilsocietyorganisations.
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Article8–FinancialresourcesParties shall allocate appropriate financial and human resources for the adequateimplementationofintegratedpolicies,measuresandprogrammestopreventandcombatallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention,includingthosecarriedoutbynon‐governmentalorganisationsandcivilsociety.
Article9–Non‐governmentalorganisationsandcivilsocietyParties shall recognise, encourage and support, at all levels, the work of relevant non‐governmental organisations and of civil society active in combating violence againstwomenandestablisheffectiveco‐operationwiththeseorganisations.
Article10–Co‐ordinatingbody1Partiesshalldesignateorestablishoneormoreofficialbodiesresponsiblefortheco‐ordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and measures topreventandcombatallformsofviolencecoveredbythisConvention.Thesebodiesshallco‐ordinatethecollectionofdataasreferredtoinArticle11,analyseanddisseminateitsresults.2Parties shall ensure that the bodies designated orestablished pursuant to thisarticlereceiveinformationofageneralnatureonmeasurestakenpursuanttoChapterVIII.3Parties shall ensure that the bodies designated orestablished pursuant to thisarticleshall have the capacity to communicate directly and foster relations with theircounterpartsinotherParties.
Article11–Datacollectionandresearch1ForthepurposeoftheimplementationofthisConvention,Partiesshallundertaketo:acollect disaggregated relevant statistical data at regular intervals on cases ofallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention;bsupportresearchinthefieldofallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthis Convention in order to study its root causes and effects, incidences andconviction rates, as well as the efficacy of measures taken to implement thisConvention.2Parties shall endeavour to conduct population‐based surveys at regular intervals toassesstheprevalenceofandtrendsinallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.
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3Parties shall provide the group of experts, as referred to in Article 66 of thisConvention,withtheinformationcollectedpursuanttothisarticleinordertostimulateinternationalco‐operationandenableinternationalbenchmarking.4Partiesshallensurethattheinformationcollectedpursuanttothisarticleisavailabletothepublic.
ChapterIII–PreventionArticle12–Generalobligations
1Partiesshalltakethenecessarymeasurestopromotechangesinthesocialandculturalpatternsofbehaviourofwomenandmenwithaviewtoeradicatingprejudices,customs,traditionsandallotherpracticeswhicharebasedontheideaoftheinferiorityofwomenoronstereotypedrolesforwomenandmen.2PartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeandothermeasurestopreventallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConventionbyanynaturalorlegalperson.3Anymeasurestakenpursuanttothischaptershalltakeintoaccountandaddressthespecificneedsofpersonsmadevulnerablebyparticularcircumstancesandshallplacethehumanrightsofallvictimsattheircentre.4Parties shall take the necessary measures to encourage all members of society,especially men and boys, to contribute actively to preventing all forms of violencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.5Partiesshallensurethatculture,custom,religion,traditionorso‐called“honour”shallnot be considered as justification for any acts of violence covered by the scope of thisConvention.6Parties shall take the necessary measures to promote programmes and activities fortheempowermentofwomen.
Article13–Awareness‐raising1Partiesshallpromoteorconduct,onaregularbasisandatalllevels,awareness‐raisingcampaigns or programmes, including in co‐operation with national human rightsinstitutions and equality bodies, civil society and non‐governmental organisations,
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especially women’s organisations, where appropriate, to increase awareness andunderstanding among the general public of the different manifestations of all forms ofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention,theirconsequencesonchildrenandtheneedtopreventsuchviolence.2Partiesshallensurethewidedisseminationamongthegeneralpublicofinformationon measures available to prevent acts of violence covered by the scope of thisConvention.
Article14–Education1Partiesshalltake,whereappropriate,thenecessarystepstoincludeteachingmaterialon issues such as equality between women and men, non‐stereotyped gender roles,mutual respect, non‐violent conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships, gender‐based violence against women and the right to personal integrity, adapted to theevolvingcapacityoflearners,informalcurriculaandatalllevelsofeducation.2Parties shall take the necessary steps to promote the principles referred to inparagraph 1 in informal educational facilities, as well as in sports, cultural and leisurefacilitiesandthemedia.
Article15–Trainingofprofessionals1Partiesshallprovideorstrengthenappropriatetrainingfortherelevantprofessionalsdealing with victims or perpetrators of all acts of violence covered by the scope of thisConvention,onthepreventionanddetectionofsuchviolence,equalitybetweenwomenand men, the needs and rights of victims, as well as on how to prevent secondaryvictimisation.2Parties shall encourage that the training referred to in paragraph 1 includes trainingonco‐ordinatedmulti‐agencyco‐operationtoallowforacomprehensiveandappropriatehandlingofreferralsincasesofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.
Article16–Preventiveinterventionandtreatmentprogrammes1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to set up or supportprogrammes aimed at teaching perpetrators of domestic violence to adopt non‐violentbehaviourininterpersonalrelationshipswithaviewtopreventingfurtherviolenceandchangingviolentbehaviouralpatterns.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to set up or supporttreatment programmes aimed at preventing perpetrators, in particular sex offenders,fromre‐offending.3Intakingthemeasuresreferredtoinparagraphs1and2,Partiesshallensurethatthesafetyof,supportforandthehumanrightsofvictimsareofprimaryconcernandthat,
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whereappropriate,theseprogrammesaresetupandimplementedincloseco‐ordinationwithspecialistsupportservicesforvictims.
Article17–Participationoftheprivatesectorandthemedia1Parties shall encourage the private sector, the information and communicationtechnology sector and the media, with due respect for freedom of expression and theirindependence,toparticipateintheelaborationandimplementationofpoliciesandtosetguidelines and self‐regulatory standards to prevent violence against women and toenhancerespectfortheirdignity.2Parties shall develop and promote, in co‐operation with private sector actors, skillsamong children, parents and educators on how to deal with the information andcommunications environment that provides access to degrading content of a sexual orviolentnaturewhichmightbeharmful.
ChapterIV–ProtectionandsupportArticle18–Generalobligations1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprotectallvictimsfromanyfurtheractsofviolence.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures, in accordance withinternallaw,toensurethatthereareappropriatemechanismstoprovideforeffectiveco‐operationbetweenallrelevantstateagencies,includingthejudiciary,publicprosecutors,law enforcement agencies, local and regional authorities as well as non‐governmentalorganisationsandotherrelevantorganisationsandentities,inprotectingandsupportingvictimsandwitnessesofallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention,includingbyreferringtogeneralandspecialistsupportservicesasdetailedinArticles20and22ofthisConvention.3Partiesshallensurethatmeasurestakenpursuanttothischaptershall:–bebasedonagenderedunderstandingofviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolenceandshallfocusonthehumanrightsandsafetyofthevictim;–bebasedonanintegratedapproachwhichtakesintoaccounttherelationshipbetweenvictims,perpetrators,childrenandtheirwidersocialenvironment;–aimatavoidingsecondaryvictimisation;–aimattheempowermentandeconomicindependenceofwomenvictimsof
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violence;–allow,whereappropriate,forarangeofprotectionandsupportservicestobelocatedonthesamepremises;–addressthespecificneedsofvulnerablepersons,includingchildvictims,andbemadeavailabletothem.4Theprovisionofservicesshallnotdependonthevictim’swillingnesstopresschargesortestifyagainstanyperpetrator.5Parties shall take the appropriate measures to provide consular and other protectionandsupporttotheirnationalsandothervictimsentitledtosuchprotectioninaccordancewiththeirobligationsunderinternationallaw.
Article19–InformationParties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimsreceive adequate and timely information on available support services and legalmeasuresinalanguagetheyunderstand.
Article20–Generalsupportservices1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimshaveaccesstoservicesfacilitatingtheirrecoveryfromviolence.Thesemeasuresshouldinclude, when necessary,services such aslegal and psychological counselling, financialassistance,housing,education,trainingandassistanceinfindingemployment.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimshaveaccesstohealthcareandsocialservicesandthatservicesareadequatelyresourcedandprofessionalsaretrainedtoassistvictimsandreferthemtotheappropriateservices.
Article21–Assistanceinindividual/collectivecomplaintsParties shall ensure that victims have information on and access to applicable regionalandinternationalindividual/collectivecomplaintsmechanisms.Partiesshallpromotetheprovision of sensitive and knowledgeable assistance to victims in presenting any suchcomplaints.
Article22–Specialistsupportservices1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprovideorarrangefor,in an adequate geographical distribution, immediate, short‐ and long‐term specialistsupport services to any victim subjected to any of the acts of violence covered by thescopeofthisConvention.2Partiesshallprovideorarrangeforspecialistwomen’ssupportservicestoallwomenvictimsofviolenceandtheirchildren.
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Article23–SheltersPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprovideforthesetting‐upof appropriate, easily accessible shelters in sufficient numbers to provide safeaccommodationforandtoreachoutpro‐activelytovictims,especiallywomenandtheirchildren.
Article24–TelephonehelplinesPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestosetupstate‐wideround‐the‐clock (24/7) telephone helplines free of charge to provide advice to callers,confidentiallyorwithdueregardfortheiranonymity,inrelationtoallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.
Article25–SupportforvictimsofsexualviolencePartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprovideforthesettingupofappropriate,easilyaccessiblerapecrisisorsexualviolencereferralcentresforvictimsin sufficient numbers to provide for medical and forensic examination, trauma supportandcounsellingforvictims.
Article26–Protectionandsupportforchildwitnesses1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that in theprovisionofprotectionandsupportservicestovictims,dueaccountistakenoftherightsand needs of child witnesses of all forms of violence covered by the scope of thisConvention.2Measures taken pursuant to this article shall include age‐appropriate psychosocialcounselling for child witnesses of all forms of violence covered by the scope of thisConventionandshallgivedueregardtothebestinterestsofthechild.
Article27–ReportingParties shall take the necessary measures to encourage any person witness to thecommission of acts of violence covered by the scope of this Convention or who hasreasonablegroundstobelievethatsuchanactmaybecommitted,orthatfurtheractsofviolencearetobeexpected,toreportthistothecompetentorganisationsorauthorities.
Article28–ReportingbyprofessionalsPartiesshalltakethenecessarymeasurestoensurethattheconfidentialityrulesimposedby internal law on certain professionals do not constitute an obstacle to the possibility,under appropriate conditions, of their reporting to the competent organisations orauthorities if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a serious act of violence
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coveredbythescopeofthisConvention,hasbeencommittedandfurtherseriousactsofviolencearetobeexpected.
ChapterV–SubstantivelawArticle29–Civillawsuitsandremedies1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprovidevictimswithadequatecivilremediesagainsttheperpetrator.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to provide victims, inaccordancewiththegeneralprinciplesofinternationallaw,withadequatecivilremediesagainstStateauthoritiesthathavefailedintheirdutytotakethenecessarypreventiveorprotectivemeasureswithinthescopeoftheirpowers.
Article30–Compensation1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimshave the right to claim compensation from perpetrators for any of the offencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention.2AdequateState compensationshall be awarded to those who have sustained seriousbodily injury or impairment of health, to the extent that the damage is not covered byother sources such as the perpetrator, insurance or State‐funded health and socialprovisions. This does not preclude Parties from claiming regress for compensationawardedfromtheperpetrator,aslongasdueregardispaidtothevictim’ssafety.3Measures taken pursuant to paragraph 2 shall ensure the granting of compensationwithinareasonabletime.
Article31–Custody,visitationrightsandsafety1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that, in thedeterminationofcustodyandvisitationrightsofchildren,incidentsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConventionaretakenintoaccount.2Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethattheexerciseofanyvisitationorcustodyrightsdoesnotjeopardisetherightsandsafetyofthevictimorchildren.
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Article32–CivilconsequencesofforcedmarriagesParties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that marriagesconcludedunderforcemaybevoidable,annulledordissolvedwithoutunduefinancialoradministrativeburdenplacedonthevictim.
Article33–PsychologicalviolencePartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethattheintentionalconduct of seriously impairing a person’s psychological integrity through coercion orthreatsiscriminalised.
Article34–StalkingPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethattheintentionalconduct of repeatedly engaging in threatening conduct directed at another person,causingherorhimtofearforherorhissafety,iscriminalised.
Article35–PhysicalviolencePartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethattheintentionalconductofcommittingactsofphysicalviolenceagainstanotherpersoniscriminalised.
Article36–Sexualviolence,includingrape1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that thefollowingintentionalconductsarecriminalised:aengaging in non‐consensual vaginal, anal or oral penetration of a sexualnature of the body of another person with any bodily part or object;bengaging in other non‐consensual acts of a sexual nature with a person;ccausing another person to engage in non‐consensual acts of a sexual naturewithathirdperson.2Consentmustbegivenvoluntarilyastheresultoftheperson’sfreewillassessedinthecontextofthesurroundingcircumstances.3Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theprovisionsofparagraph1alsoapplytoactscommittedagainstformerorcurrentspousesorpartnersasrecognisedbyinternallaw.
Article37–Forcedmarriage1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theintentionalconductofforcinganadultorachildtoenterintoamarriageiscriminalised.
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2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theintentionalconductofluringanadultorachildtotheterritoryofaPartyorStateotherthantheonesheorheresidesinwiththepurposeofforcingthisadultorchildtoenterintoamarriageiscriminalised.
Article38–FemalegenitalmutilationPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatthefollowingintentionalconductsarecriminalised:aexcising,infibulatingorperforminganyothermutilationtothewholeoranypart of a woman’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris;bcoercing or procuring a woman to undergo any of the acts listed in point a;cinciting,coercingorprocuringagirltoundergoanyoftheactslistedinpointa.
Article39–ForcedabortionandforcedsterilisationPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatthefollowingintentionalconductsarecriminalised:aperforminganabortiononawomanwithoutherpriorandinformedconsent;bperformingsurgerywhichhasthepurposeoreffectofterminatingawoman’scapacity to naturally reproduce without her prior and informed consent orunderstandingoftheprocedure.
Article40–SexualharassmentPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatanyformofunwantedverbal,non‐verbalorphysicalconductofasexualnaturewiththepurposeoreffect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating,hostile,degrading,humiliatingoroffensiveenvironment,issubjecttocriminalorotherlegalsanction.
Article41–Aidingorabettingandattempt1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoestablishasanoffence,when committed intentionally, aiding or abetting the commission of the offencesestablishedinaccordancewithArticles33,34,35,36,37,38.aand39ofthisConvention.2Parties shall take the necessarylegislative or other measures toestablishas offences,whencommittedintentionally,attemptstocommittheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewithArticles35,36,37,38.aand39ofthisConvention.
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Article 42 – Unacceptable justifications for crimes, including crimescommittedinthenameofso‐called“honour”1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethat,incriminalproceedingsinitiatedfollowingthecommissionofanyoftheactsofviolencecoveredbythe scope of this Convention, culture, custom, religion, tradition or so‐called “honour”shallnotberegardedasjustificationforsuchacts.Thiscovers,inparticular,claimsthatthevictimhastransgressedcultural,religious,socialortraditionalnormsorcustomsofappropriatebehaviour.2Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatincitementby any person of a child to commit any of the acts referred to in paragraph 1 shall notdiminishthecriminalliabilityofthatpersonfortheactscommitted.
Article43–ApplicationofcriminaloffencesThe offences established in accordance with this Convention shall apply irrespective ofthenatureoftherelationshipbetweenvictimandperpetrator.
Article44–Jurisdiction1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to establish jurisdictionover any offence established in accordance with this Convention, when the offence iscommitted:aintheirterritory;orbonboardashipflyingtheirflag;orconboardanaircraftregisteredundertheirlaws;ordbyoneoftheirnationals;orebyapersonwhohasherorhishabitualresidenceintheirterritory.2Partiesshallendeavourtotakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoestablishjurisdiction over any offence established in accordance with this Convention where theoffence is committed against one of their nationals or a person who has her or hishabitualresidenceintheirterritory.3For the prosecution ofthe offences establishedin accordance with Articles 36,37, 38and39ofthisConvention,Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasuresto ensure that their jurisdiction is not subordinated to the condition that the acts arecriminalisedintheterritorywheretheywerecommitted.4For the prosecution ofthe offences establishedin accordance with Articles 36,37, 38and39ofthisConvention,Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasuresto ensure that their jurisdiction as regards points d and e of paragraph 1 is notsubordinated to the condition that the prosecution can only be initiated following the
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reporting by the victim of the offence or the laying of information by the State of theplacewheretheoffencewascommitted.5Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to establish jurisdictionover the offences established in accordance with this Convention, in cases where anallegedperpetratorispresentontheirterritoryandtheydonotextraditeherorhimtoanotherParty,solelyonthebasisofherorhisnationality.6When more than one Party claims jurisdiction over an alleged offence establishedinaccordancewiththisConvention,thePartiesinvolvedshall,whereappropriate,consulteachotherwithaviewtodeterminingthemostappropriatejurisdictionforprosecution.7Withoutprejudicetothegeneralrulesofinternationallaw,thisConventiondoesnotexcludeanycriminaljurisdictionexercisedbyaPartyinaccordancewithitsinternallaw.
Article45–Sanctionsandmeasures1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theoffences established in accordance with this Convention are punishable by effective,proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, taking into account their seriousness. Thesesanctionsshallinclude,whereappropriate,sentencesinvolvingthedeprivationoflibertywhichcangiverisetoextradition.2Partiesmayadoptothermeasuresinrelationtoperpetrators,suchas:––monitoringorsupervisionofconvictedpersons;withdrawal of parental rights, if the best interests of the child, which mayincludethesafetyofthevictim,cannotbeguaranteedinanyotherway.
Article46–AggravatingcircumstancesPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatthefollowingcircumstances,insofarastheydonotalreadyformpartoftheconstituentelementsoftheoffence, may, in conformity with the relevant provisions of internal law, be taken intoconsideration as aggravating circumstances in the determination of the sentence inrelationtotheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention:athe offence was committed against a former or current spouse or partner asrecognisedbyinternallaw,byamemberofthefamily,apersoncohabitingwiththevictimorapersonhavingabusedherorhisauthority;btheoffence,orrelatedoffences,werecommittedrepeatedly;cthe offence was committed against a person made vulnerable by particularcircumstances;dtheoffencewascommittedagainstorinthepresenceofachild;
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etheoffencewascommittedbytwoormorepeopleactingtogether;ftheoffencewasprecededoraccompaniedbyextremelevelsofviolence;gtheoffencewascommittedwiththeuseorthreatofaweapon;htheoffenceresultedinseverephysicalorpsychologicalharmforthevictim;itheperpetratorhadpreviouslybeenconvictedofoffencesofasimilarnature.
Article47–SentencespassedbyanotherPartyPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprovideforthepossibilityoftakingintoaccountfinalsentencespassedbyanotherPartyinrelationtotheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConventionwhendeterminingthesentence.
Article 48 – Prohibition of mandatory alternative dispute resolutionprocessesorsentencing1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to prohibit mandatoryalternativedisputeresolutionprocesses,includingmediationandconciliation,inrelationtoallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that if thepaymentofafineisordered,dueaccountshallbetakenoftheabilityoftheperpetratortoassumehisorherfinancialobligationstowardsthevictim.
ChapterVI–Investigation,prosecution,procedurallawandprotectivemeasuresArticle49–Generalobligations1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure thatinvestigationsandjudicialproceedingsinrelationtoallformsofviolencecoveredbythescope of this Convention are carried out without undue delay while taking intoconsiderationtherightsofthevictimduringallstagesofthecriminalproceedings.
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2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures, in conformity with thefundamental principles of human rights and having regard to the genderedunderstanding of violence, to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution ofoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention.
Article50–Immediateresponse,preventionandprotection1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theresponsible law enforcement agencies respond to all forms of violence covered by thescope of this Convention promptly and appropriately by offering adequate andimmediateprotectiontovictims.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theresponsible law enforcement agencies engage promptly and appropriately in theprevention and protection against all forms of violence covered by the scope of thisConvention, including the employment of preventive operational measures and thecollectionofevidence.
Article51–Riskassessmentandriskmanagement1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that anassessmentofthelethalityrisk,theseriousnessofthesituationandtheriskofrepeatedviolence is carried out by all relevant authorities in order to manage the risk and ifnecessarytoprovideco‐ordinatedsafetyandsupport.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that theassessment referred to in paragraph 1 duly takes into account, at all stages of theinvestigationandapplicationofprotectivemeasures,thefactthatperpetratorsofactsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConventionpossessorhaveaccesstofirearms.
Article52–EmergencybarringordersPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatthecompetentauthorities are granted the power to order, in situations of immediate danger, aperpetratorofdomesticviolencetovacatetheresidenceofthevictimorpersonatriskforasufficientperiodoftimeandtoprohibittheperpetratorfromenteringtheresidenceofor contacting the victim or person at risk. Measures taken pursuant to this article shallgiveprioritytothesafetyofvictimsorpersonsatrisk.
Article53–Restrainingorprotectionorders1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure thatappropriate restraining or protection orders are available to victims of all forms ofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention.
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2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that therestrainingorprotectionordersreferredtoinparagraph1are:–––––available for immediate protection and without undue financial oradministrativeburdensplacedonthevictim;issuedforaspecifiedperiodoruntilmodifiedordischarged;wherenecessary,issuedonanexpartebasiswhichhasimmediateeffect;availableirrespectiveof,orinadditionto,otherlegalproceedings;allowedtobeintroducedinsubsequentlegalproceedings.
3Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatbreachesofrestraining or protection orders issued pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be subject toeffective,proportionateanddissuasivecriminalorotherlegalsanctions.
Article54–InvestigationsandevidencePartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethat,inanycivilorcriminal proceedings, evidence relating to the sexual history and conduct of the victimshallbepermittedonlywhenitisrelevantandnecessary.
Article55–Exparteandexofficioproceedings1Parties shall ensure that investigations into or prosecution of offences established inaccordance with Articles 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 of this Convention shall not be whollydependantuponareportorcomplaintfiledbyavictimiftheoffencewascommittedinwholeorinpartonitsterritory,andthattheproceedingsmaycontinueevenifthevictimwithdrawsherorhisstatementorcomplaint.2Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensure,inaccordancewith the conditions provided for by theirinternallaw, the possibility for governmentalandnon‐governmentalorganisationsanddomesticviolencecounsellorstoassistand/orsupport victims, at their request, during investigations and judicial proceedingsconcerningtheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention.
Article56–Measuresofprotection1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoprotecttherightsandinterests of victims, including their special needs as witnesses, at all stages ofinvestigationsandjudicialproceedings,inparticularby:aprovidingfortheirprotection,aswellasthatoftheirfamiliesandwitnesses,fromintimidation,retaliationandrepeatvictimisation;bensuringthatvictimsareinformed,atleastincaseswherethevictimsandthefamily might be in danger, when the perpetrator escapes or is releasedtemporarilyordefinitively;
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cinforming them, under the conditions provided for by internal law, of theirrights and the services at their disposal and the follow‐up given to theircomplaint,thecharges,thegeneralprogressoftheinvestigationorproceedings,andtheirroletherein,aswellastheoutcomeoftheircase;denablingvictims,inamannerconsistentwiththeproceduralrulesofinternallaw, to be heard, to supply evidence and have their views, needs and concernspresented,directlyorthroughanintermediary,andconsidered;eproviding victims with appropriate support services so that their rights andinterestsaredulypresentedandtakenintoaccount;fensuringthatmeasuresmaybeadoptedtoprotecttheprivacyandtheimageofthevictim;gensuringthatcontactbetweenvictimsandperpetratorswithincourtandlawenforcementagencypremisesisavoidedwherepossible;hprovidingvictimswithindependentandcompetentinterpreterswhenvictimsarepartiestoproceedingsorwhentheyaresupplyingevidence;ienabling victims to testify, according to the rules provided by their internallaw,inthecourtroomwithoutbeingpresentoratleastwithoutthepresenceofthe alleged perpetrator, notably through the use of appropriate communicationtechnologies,whereavailable.2A child victim and child witness of violence against women and domestic violenceshallbeafforded,whereappropriate,specialprotectionmeasurestakingintoaccountthebestinterestsofthechild.
Article57–LegalaidParties shall provide for the right to legal assistance and to free legal aid for victimsundertheconditionsprovidedbytheirinternallaw.
Article58–StatuteoflimitationPartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeandothermeasurestoensurethatthestatuteoflimitationforinitiatinganylegalproceedingswithregardtotheoffencesestablishedin accordance with Articles 36, 37, 38 and 39 of this Convention, shall continue for aperiod of time that is sufficient and commensurate with the gravity of the offence inquestion,toallowfortheefficientinitiationofproceedingsafterthevictimhasreachedtheageofmajority.
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ChapterVII–MigrationandasylumArticle59–Residencestatus1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimswhose residence status depends on that of the spouse or partner as recognised byinternal law, in the event of the dissolution of the marriage or the relationship, aregranted in the event of particularly difficult circumstances, upon application, anautonomous residence permit irrespective of the duration of the marriage or therelationship. The conditions relating to the granting and duration of the autonomousresidencepermitareestablishedbyinternallaw.2Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that victimsmay obtain the suspension of expulsion proceedings initiated in relation to a residencestatusdependentonthatofthespouseorpartnerasrecognisedbyinternallawtoenablethemtoapplyforanautonomousresidencepermit.3Partiesshallissuearenewableresidencepermittovictimsinoneofthetwofollowingsituations,orinboth:awherethecompetentauthorityconsidersthattheirstayisnecessaryowingtotheirpersonalsituation;bwhere the competent authority considers that their stay is necessary for thepurposeoftheirco‐operationwiththecompetentauthoritiesininvestigationorcriminalproceedings.4Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatvictimsofforcedmarriagebroughtintoanothercountryforthepurposeofthemarriageandwho,as a result, have lost their residence status in the country where they habitually reside,mayregainthisstatus.
Article60–Gender‐basedasylumclaims1Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that gender‐based violence against women may be recognised as a form of persecution within themeaningofArticle1,A(2),ofthe1951ConventionrelatingtotheStatusofRefugeesandasaformofseriousharmgivingrisetocomplementary/subsidiaryprotection.2Parties shall ensure that a gender‐sensitive interpretation is given to each of theConventiongroundsandthatwhereitisestablishedthatthepersecutionfearedisforoneor more of these grounds, applicants shall be granted refugee status according to theapplicablerelevantinstruments.3Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to develop gender‐sensitivereceptionproceduresandsupportservicesforasylum‐seekersaswellasgender
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guidelines and gender‐sensitive asylum procedures, including refugee statusdeterminationandapplicationforinternationalprotection.
Article61–Non‐refoulement1Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestorespecttheprincipleofnon‐refoulementinaccordancewithexistingobligationsunderinternationallaw.2Partiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatvictimsofviolence against women who are in need of protection, regardless of their status orresidence,shallnotbereturnedunderanycircumstancestoanycountrywheretheirlifewould be atrisk or where they mightbe subjectedto torture orinhuman ordegradingtreatmentorpunishment.
ChapterVIII–Internationalco‐operationArticle62–Generalprinciples1Parties shall co‐operate with each other, in accordance with the provisions of thisConvention, and through the application of relevant international and regionalinstruments on co‐operation in civil and criminal matters, arrangements agreed on thebasisofuniformorreciprocallegislationandinternallaws,tothewidestextentpossible,forthepurposeof:apreventing,combatingandprosecutingallformsofviolencecoveredbythescopeofthisConvention;bprotectingandprovidingassistancetovictims;cinvestigationsorproceedingsconcerningtheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention;denforcingrelevantcivilandcriminaljudgmentsissuedbythejudicialauthoritiesofParties,includingprotectionorders.2PartiesshalltakethenecessarylegislativeorothermeasurestoensurethatvictimsofanoffenceestablishedinaccordancewiththisConventionandcommittedintheterritoryof a Party other than the one where they reside may make a complaint before thecompetentauthoritiesoftheirStateofresidence.3If a Party that makes mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition orenforcementofcivilorcriminaljudgmentsimposedbyanotherPartytothisConvention
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conditionalontheexistenceofatreatyreceivesarequestforsuchlegalco‐operationfromaPartywithwhichithasnotconcludedsuchatreaty,itmayconsiderthisConventiontobe the legal basis for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition orenforcementofcivilorcriminaljudgmentsimposedbytheotherPartyinrespectoftheoffencesestablishedinaccordancewiththisConvention.4Partiesshallendeavourtointegrate,whereappropriate,thepreventionandthefightagainst violence against women and domestic violence in assistance programmes fordevelopmentprovidedforthebenefitofthirdStates,includingbyenteringintobilateralandmultilateralagreementswiththirdStateswithaviewtofacilitatingtheprotectionofvictimsinaccordancewithArticle18,paragraph5.
Article63–MeasuresrelatingtopersonsatriskWhenaParty,onthebasisoftheinformationatitsdisposal,hasreasonablegroundstobelievethatapersonisatimmediateriskofbeingsubjectedtoanyoftheactsofviolencereferred to in Articles 36, 37, 38 and 39 of this Convention on the territory of anotherParty,thePartythathastheinformationisencouragedtotransmititwithoutdelaytothelatterforthepurposeofensuringthatappropriateprotectionmeasuresaretaken.Whereapplicable,thisinformationshallincludedetailsonexistingprotectionprovisionsforthebenefitofthepersonatrisk.
Article64–Information1TherequestedPartyshallpromptlyinformtherequestingPartyofthefinalresultoftheactiontakenunderthischapter.TherequestedPartyshallalsopromptlyinformtherequesting Party of any circumstances which render impossible the carrying out of theactionsoughtorarelikelytodelayitsignificantly.2A Party may, within the limits of its internal law, without prior request, forward toanotherPartyinformationobtainedwithintheframeworkofitsowninvestigationswhenit considers that the disclosure of such information might assist the receiving Party inpreventing criminal offences established in accordance with this Convention or ininitiatingorcarryingoutinvestigationsorproceedingsconcerningsuchcriminaloffencesorthatitmightleadtoarequestforco‐operationbythatPartyunderthischapter.3APartyreceivinganyinformationinaccordancewithparagraph2shallsubmitsuchinformationtoitscompetentauthoritiesinorderthatproceedingsmaybetakeniftheyare considered appropriate, or that this information may be taken into account inrelevantcivilandcriminalproceedings.
Article65–DataProtectionPersonal data shall be stored and used pursuant to the obligations undertaken by thePartiesundertheConventionfortheProtectionofIndividualswithregardtoAutomaticProcessingofPersonalData(ETSNo.108).
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ChapterIX–MonitoringmechanismArticle66–Groupofexpertsonactionagainstviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence1TheGroupofexpertsonactionagainstviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence(hereinafter referred to as “GREVIO”) shall monitor the implementation of thisConventionbytheParties.2GREVIO shall be composed of a minimum of 10 members and a maximum of 15members, taking into account a gender and geographical balance, as well asmultidisciplinaryexpertise.ItsmembersshallbeelectedbytheCommitteeofthePartiesfrom among candidates nominated by the Parties for a term of office of four years,renewableonce,andchosenfromamongnationalsoftheParties.3Theinitialelectionof10membersshallbeheldwithinaperiodofoneyearfollowingtheentryintoforceofthisConvention.Theelectionof5additionalmembersshallbeheldfollowingthe25thratificationoraccession.4TheelectionofthemembersofGREVIOshallbebasedonthefollowingprinciples:athey shall be chosen according to a transparent procedure from amongpersons of high moral character, known for their recognised competence in thefields of human rights, gender equality, violence against women and domesticviolence, or assistance to and protection of victims, or having demonstratedprofessionalexperienceintheareascoveredbythisConvention;bnotwomembersofGREVIOmaybenationalsofthesameState;ctheyshouldrepresentthemainlegalsystems;dthey should represent relevant actors and agencies in the field of violenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence;ethey shall sit in their individual capacity and shall be independent andimpartial in the exercise of their functions, and shall be available to carry outtheirdutiesinaneffectivemanner.5The election procedure of the members of GREVIO shall be determined by theCommitteeofMinistersoftheCouncilofEurope,afterconsultingwithandobtainingtheunanimousconsentoftheParties,withinaperiodofsixmonthsfollowingtheentryintoforceofthisConvention.
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6GREVIOshalladoptitsownrulesofprocedure.7Members of GREVIO, and other members of delegations carrying out the countryvisits as set forth in Article 68, paragraphs 9 and 14, shall enjoy the privileges andimmunitiesestablishedintheappendixtothisConvention.
Article67–CommitteeoftheParties1TheCommitteeofthePartiesshallbecomposedoftherepresentativesofthePartiestotheConvention.2The Committee of the Parties shall be convened by the Secretary General of theCouncilofEurope.ItsfirstmeetingshallbeheldwithinaperiodofoneyearfollowingtheentryintoforceofthisConventioninordertoelectthemembersofGREVIO.ItshallsubsequentlymeetwheneveronethirdoftheParties,thePresidentoftheCommitteeofthePartiesortheSecretaryGeneralsorequests.3TheCommitteeofthePartiesshalladoptitsownrulesofprocedure.
Article68–Procedure1Parties shall submit to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, based on aquestionnaire prepared by GREVIO, a report on legislative and other measures givingeffecttotheprovisionsofthisConvention,forconsiderationbyGREVIO.2GREVIOshallconsiderthereportsubmittedinaccordancewithparagraph1withtherepresentativesofthePartyconcerned.3Subsequentevaluationproceduresshallbedividedintorounds,thelengthofwhichisdeterminedbyGREVIO.AtthebeginningofeachroundGREVIOshallselectthespecificprovisions on which the evaluation procedure shall be based and send out aquestionnaire.4GREVIOshalldefinetheappropriatemeanstocarryoutthismonitoringprocedure.Itmayinparticularadoptaquestionnaireforeachevaluationround,whichshallserveasabasis for the evaluation procedure of the implementation by the Parties. ThisquestionnaireshallbeaddressedtoallParties.Partiesshallrespondtothisquestionnaire,aswellastoanyotherrequestofinformationfromGREVIO.5GREVIOmayreceiveinformationontheimplementationoftheConventionfromnon‐governmentalorganisationsandcivilsociety,aswellasfromnationalinstitutionsfortheprotectionofhumanrights.6GREVIOshalltakedueconsiderationoftheexistinginformationavailablefromotherregionalandinternationalinstrumentsandbodiesinareasfallingwithinthescopeofthisConvention.
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7When adopting a questionnaire for each evaluation round, GREVIO shall take dueconsiderationoftheexistingdatacollectionandresearchinthePartiesasreferredtoinArticle11ofthisConvention.8GREVIOmayreceiveinformationontheimplementationoftheConventionfromtheCouncil of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the Parliamentary Assembly andrelevantspecialisedbodiesoftheCouncilofEurope,aswellasthoseestablishedunderotherinternationalinstruments.ComplaintspresentedtothesebodiesandtheiroutcomewillbemadeavailabletoGREVIO.9GREVIOmaysubsidiarilyorganise,inco‐operationwiththenationalauthoritiesandwith the assistance of independent national experts, country visits, if the informationgained is insufficient or in cases provided for in paragraph 14. During these visits,GREVIOmaybeassistedbyspecialistsinspecificfields.10GREVIO shall prepare a draft report containing its analysis concerning theimplementation of the provisions on which the evaluation is based, as well as itssuggestions and proposals concerning the way in which the Party concerned may dealwiththeproblemswhichhavebeenidentified.ThedraftreportshallbetransmittedforcommentstothePartywhichundergoestheevaluation.ItscommentsshallbetakenintoaccountbyGREVIOwhenadoptingitsreport.11On the basis of all the information received and the comments by the Parties,GREVIO shall adopt its report and conclusions concerning the measures taken by theParty concerned to implement the provisions of this Convention. This report and theconclusionsshallbesenttothePartyconcernedandtotheCommitteeoftheParties.ThereportandconclusionsofGREVIOshallbemadepublicasfromtheiradoption,togetherwitheventualcommentsbythePartyconcerned.12Withoutprejudicetotheprocedureofparagraphs1to8,theCommitteeofthePartiesmay adopt, on the basis of the report and conclusions of GREVIO, recommendationsaddressed to this Party (a) concerning the measures to be taken to implement theconclusions of GREVIO, if necessary setting a date for submitting information on theirimplementation,and(b)aimingatpromotingco‐operationwiththatPartyfortheproperimplementationofthisConvention.13If GREVIO receives reliable information indicating a situation where problemsrequireimmediateattentiontopreventorlimitthescaleornumberofseriousviolationsof the Convention, it may request the urgent submission of a special report concerningmeasures taken to prevent a serious, massive or persistent pattern of violence againstwomen.14TakingintoaccounttheinformationsubmittedbythePartyconcerned,aswellasanyother reliable information available to it, GREVIO may designate one or more of itsmemberstoconductaninquiryandtoreporturgentlytoGREVIO.WherewarrantedandwiththeconsentoftheParty,theinquirymayincludeavisittoitsterritory.
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15After examining the findings of the inquiry referred to in paragraph 14, GREVIOshall transmit these findings to the Party concerned and, where appropriate, to theCommittee of the Parties and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europetogetherwithanycommentsandrecommendations.
Article69–GeneralrecommendationsGREVIO may adopt, where appropriate, general recommendations on theimplementationofthisConvention.
Article70–Parliamentaryinvolvementinmonitoring1NationalparliamentsshallbeinvitedtoparticipateinthemonitoringofthemeasurestakenfortheimplementationofthisConvention.2PartiesshallsubmitthereportsofGREVIOtotheirnationalparliaments.3The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe shall be invited to regularlytakestockoftheimplementationofthisConvention.
ChapterX–RelationshipwithotherinternationalinstrumentsArticle71–Relationshipwithotherinternationalinstruments1This Convention shall not affect obligations arising from other internationalinstrumentstowhichPartiestothisConventionarePartiesorshallbecomePartiesandwhichcontainprovisionsonmattersgovernedbythisConvention.2ThePartiestothisConventionmayconcludebilateralormultilateralagreementswithoneanotheronthemattersdealtwithinthisConvention,forpurposesofsupplementingorstrengtheningitsprovisionsorfacilitatingtheapplicationoftheprinciplesembodiedinit.
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ChapterXI–AmendmentstotheConventionArticle72–Amendments1Any proposal for an amendment to this Convention presented by a Party shall becommunicatedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEuropeandforwardedbyheror him to the member States of the Council of Europe, any signatory, any Party, theEuropean Union, any State invited to sign this Convention in accordance with theprovisionsofArticle75,andanyStateinvitedtoaccedetothisConventioninaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle76.2The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe shall consider the proposedamendment and, after having consulted the Parties to this Convention that are notmembersoftheCouncilofEurope,mayadopttheamendmentbythemajorityprovidedforinArticle20.doftheStatuteoftheCouncilofEurope.3The text of any amendment adopted by the Committee of Ministers in accordancewithparagraph2shallbeforwardedtothePartiesforacceptance.4Anyamendmentadoptedinaccordancewithparagraph2shallenterintoforceonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheexpirationofaperiodofonemonthafterthedateonwhichallPartieshaveinformedtheSecretaryGeneraloftheiracceptance.
ChapterXII–FinalclausesArticle73–EffectsofthisConventionTheprovisionsofthisConventionshallnotprejudicetheprovisionsofinternallawandbinding international instruments which are already in force or may come into force,underwhichmorefavourablerightsareorwouldbeaccordedtopersonsinpreventingandcombatingviolenceagainstwomenanddomesticviolence.
Article74–Disputesettlement1The Parties to any dispute which may arise concerning the application orinterpretationoftheprovisionsofthisConventionshallfirstseektoresolveitbymeansof negotiation, conciliation, arbitration or by any other methods of peaceful settlementacceptedbymutualagreementbetweenthem.
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2The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may establish procedures ofsettlementtobeavailableforusebythePartiesindisputeiftheyshouldsoagree.
Article75–Signatureandentryintoforce1This Convention shall be open for signature by the member States of the Council ofEurope, the non‐member States which have participated in its elaboration and theEuropeanUnion.2This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments ofratification,acceptanceorapprovalshallbedepositedwiththeSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEurope.3This Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the month following theexpirationofaperiodofthreemonthsafterthedateonwhich10signatories,includingatleast8memberStatesoftheCouncilofEurope,haveexpressedtheirconsenttobeboundbytheConventioninaccordancewiththeprovisionsofparagraph2.4In respect of any State referred to in paragraph 1 or the European Union, whichsubsequently expresses its consent to be bound by it, the Convention shall enter intoforceonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheexpirationofaperiodofthreemonthsafterthedateofthedepositofitsinstrumentofratification,acceptanceorapproval.
Article76–AccessiontotheConvention1After the entry into force of this Convention, the Committee of Ministers of theCouncilofEuropemay,afterconsultationofthePartiestothisConventionandobtainingtheirunanimousconsent,inviteanynon‐memberStateoftheCouncilofEurope,whichhasnotparticipatedintheelaborationoftheConvention,toaccedetothisConventionbyadecisiontakenbythemajorityprovidedforinArticle20.doftheStatuteoftheCouncilofEurope,andbyunanimousvoteoftherepresentativesofthePartiesentitledtositontheCommitteeofMinisters.2InrespectofanyaccedingState,theConventionshallenterintoforceonthefirstdayof the month following the expiration of a period of three months after the date ofdeposit of the instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council ofEurope.
Article77–Territorialapplication1AnyStateortheEuropeanUnionmay,atthetimeofsignatureorwhendepositingitsinstrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, specify the territory orterritoriestowhichthisConventionshallapply.2AnyPartymay,atanylaterdate,byadeclarationaddressedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEurope,extendtheapplicationofthisConventiontoanyotherterritoryspecifiedin the declaration and for whose international relationsit is responsible or on
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whose behalf it is authorised to give undertakings. In respect of such territory, theConventionshallenterintoforceonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheexpirationofa period of three months after the date of receipt of such declaration by the SecretaryGeneral.3Any declaration made under the two preceding paragraphs may, in respect of anyterritory specified in such declaration, be withdrawn by a notification addressed to theSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEurope.ThewithdrawalshallbecomeeffectiveonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheexpirationofaperiodofthreemonthsafterthedateofreceiptofsuchnotificationbytheSecretaryGeneral.
Article78–Reservations1NoreservationmaybemadeinrespectofanyprovisionofthisConvention,withtheexceptionsprovidedforinparagraphs2and3.2AnyStateortheEuropeanUnionmay,atthetimeofsignatureorwhendepositingitsinstrumentofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccession,byadeclarationaddressedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEurope,declarethatitreservestherightnottoapplyortoapplyonlyinspecificcasesorconditionstheprovisionslaiddownin:–––––Article30,paragraph2;Article44,paragraphs1.e,3and4;Article55,paragraph1inrespectofArticle35regardingminoroffences;Article58inrespectofArticles37,38and39;Article59.
3AnyStateortheEuropeanUnionmay,atthetimeofsignatureorwhendepositingitsinstrumentofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccession,byadeclarationaddressedto the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, declare that it reserves the right toprovide for non‐criminal sanctions, instead of criminal sanctions, for the behavioursreferredtoinArticles33and34.4Any Party may wholly or partly withdraw a reservation by means of a declarationaddressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This declaration shallbecomeeffectiveasfromitsdateofreceiptbytheSecretaryGeneral.
Article79–Validityandreviewofreservations1ReservationsreferredtoinArticle78,paragraphs2and3,shallbevalidforaperiodoffiveyearsfromthedayoftheentryintoforceofthisConventioninrespectofthePartyconcerned. However, such reservations may be renewed for periods of the sameduration.2Eighteenmonthsbeforethedateofexpiryofthereservation,theSecretariatGeneralofthe Council of Europe shall give notice of that expiry to the Party concerned. No laterthanthreemonthsbeforetheexpiry,thePartyshallnotifytheSecretaryGeneralthatitis
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upholding,amendingorwithdrawingitsreservation.IntheabsenceofanotificationbythePartyconcerned,theSecretariatGeneralshallinformthatPartythatitsreservationisconsidered to have been extended automatically for a period of six months. Failure bythePartyconcernedtonotifyitsintentiontoupholdormodifyitsreservationbeforetheexpiryofthatperiodshallcausethereservationtolapse.3If a Party makes a reservation in conformity with Article 78, paragraphs 2 and 3, itshall provide, before its renewal or upon request, an explanation to GREVIO, on thegroundsjustifyingitscontinuance.
Article80–Denunciation1Any Party may, at any time, denounce this Convention by means of a notificationaddressedtotheSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEurope.2SuchdenunciationshallbecomeeffectiveonthefirstdayofthemonthfollowingtheexpirationofaperiodofthreemonthsafterthedateofreceiptofthenotificationbytheSecretaryGeneral.
Article81–NotificationThe Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the member States of theCouncilofEurope,thenon‐memberStateswhichhaveparticipatedinitselaboration,anysignatory, any Party, the European Union, and any State invited to accede to thisConventionof:aanysignature;bthedepositofanyinstrumentofratification,acceptance,approvaloraccession;canydateofentryintoforceofthisConventioninaccordancewithArticles75and76;danyamendmentadoptedinaccordancewithArticle72andthedateonwhichsuchanamendmententersintoforce;eanyreservationandwithdrawalofreservationmadeinpursuanceofArticle78;fanydenunciationmadeinpursuanceoftheprovisionsofArticle80;ganyotheract,notificationorcommunicationrelatingtothisConvention.In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed thisConvention.Done at [Istanbul], this [11th] day of [May 2011], in English and in French, both textsbeingequallyauthentic,inasinglecopywhichshallbedepositedinthearchivesoftheCouncil of Europe. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall transmitcertifiedcopiestoeachmemberStateoftheCouncilofEurope,tothenon‐memberStateswhich have participated in the elaboration of this Convention, to the European UnionandtoanyStateinvitedtoaccedetothisConvention.
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Appendix–Privilegesandimmunities(Article66)1ThisappendixshallapplytothemembersofGREVIOmentionedinArticle66oftheConvention,aswellastoothermembersofthecountryvisitdelegations.Forthepurposeofthisappendix,theterm“othermembersofthecountryvisitdelegations”shallincludetheindependentnationalexpertsandthespecialistsmentionedinArticle68,paragraph9,oftheConvention,staffmembersoftheCouncilofEuropeandinterpretersemployedbytheCouncilofEuropeaccompanyingGREVIOduringitscountryvisits.2ThemembersofGREVIOandtheothermembersofthecountryvisitdelegationsshall,while exercising their functions relating to the preparation and the carrying out ofcountry visits, as well as the follow‐up thereto, and travelling in connection with thosefunctions,enjoythefollowingprivilegesandimmunities:aimmunityfrompersonalarrestordetentionandfromseizureoftheirpersonalbaggage, and immunity from legal process of every kind in respect of wordsspokenorwrittenandallactsperformedbythemintheirofficialcapacity;bexemptionfromanyrestrictionsontheirfreedomofmovementonexitfromandreturntotheircountryofresidence,andentryintoandexitfromthecountryinwhichtheyexercisetheirfunctions,andfromalienregistrationinthecountrywhichtheyarevisitingorthroughwhichtheyarepassingintheexerciseoftheirfunctions.3Inthecourseofjourneysundertakenintheexerciseoftheirfunctions,themembersofGREVIO and the other members of the country visit delegations shall, in the matter ofcustoms and exchange control, be accorded the same facilities as those accorded torepresentativesofforeigngovernmentsontemporaryofficialduty.4The documents relating to the evaluation of the implementation of the ConventioncarriedbymembersofGREVIOandothermembersofthecountryvisitdelegationsshallbeinviolableinsofarastheyconcerntheactivityofGREVIO.NostoppageorcensorshipshallbeappliedtotheofficialcorrespondenceofGREVIOortoofficialcommunicationsofmembersofGREVIOandothermembersofthecountryvisitdelegations.5InordertosecureforthemembersofGREVIOandtheothermembersofthecountryvisit delegations complete freedom of speech and complete independence in thedischargeoftheirduties,theimmunityfromlegalprocessinrespectofwordsspokenorwritten and all acts done by them in discharging their duties shall continue to beaccorded, notwithstanding that the persons concerned are no longer engaged in thedischargeofsuchduties.
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6Privilegesandimmunitiesaregrantedtothepersonsmentionedinparagraph1ofthisappendixinordertosafeguardtheindependentexerciseoftheirfunctionsintheinterestsofGREVIOandnotfortheirpersonalbenefit.Thewaiverofimmunitiesofthepersonsmentionedinparagraph1ofthisappendixshallbemadebytheSecretaryGeneraloftheCouncilofEuropeinanycasewhere,inhisorheropinion,theimmunitywouldimpedethe course of justice and where it can be waived without prejudice to the interests ofGREVIO.
