Violence against women, including domestic violence, is the result of an imbalance of power in society. It is a human rights violation and a major obstacle to overcoming inequality between women and men. Despite positive developments in law, policies and practices, it still occurs in every Council of Europe member state at all levels of society.

To find a way out of this situation, the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe member states decided to launch a Campaign to Combat Violence against Women, including Domestic Violence. The launching conference took place in Madrid on 27 November 2006.

The Campaign aims at raising awareness that violence against women is a human rights violation. It urges member states to demonstrate political will by providing adequate resources to deliver concrete results in this field. It promotes the implementation of effective measures at national level, through legislation and national action plans. Campaign activities will be carried out by different bodies of the Council of Europe and by member states.

This website contains information on Campaign activities and resources on domestic violence for decision-makers, civil society, the general public and the media. It invites those dedicated to ending violence against women to browse the available information and support the Council of Europe Campaign.