Standards of the Istanbul Convention apply at all times

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a dramatic increase has been reported in recorded cases of violence against women and domestic violence, both worldwide and in Council of Europe member states.

The Council of Europe's Committee of the Parties to Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) has issued a declaration, calling on States that have ratified the Convention to refer to its standards and recommendations as a source of guidance for governmental action during the pandemic.

Specific examples of how to react to the rise in cases of violence against women - largely drawn from initiatives which State parties are currently putting into practice - are provided in the Annex to the declaration.

The Committee of the Parties adopted the declaration, in its role as the intergovernmental body mandated to uphold the standards of the Istanbul Convention, and to ensure their implementation by States parties at all times.

Read and download Declaration