Violence against women takes many forms, and increasingly, it happens in digital spaces. Online harassment, digital stalking, and psychological abuse have become significant concerns across the globe, yet legal frameworks and institutional responses often struggle to keep pace with the evolving nature of these threats.
As part of the project “Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence in Azerbaijan”, a dedicated workshop was held to strengthen national capacity in addressing these emerging forms of violence against women. The event gathered a diverse group of 23 participants, with government ministries and state agencies (the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, and the Academy of Justice) sitting alongside gender experts, lawyers and social workers. 20 women and 3 men signaled a shared recognition that addressing psychological and digital violence requires both political will and specialist expertise.
With the support from the EU, the workshop provided a space for in-depth discussion on international standards and practices related to online harassment, digital stalking, and psychological violence - exploring their legal definitions, real-world impact, and the role of the state in responding effectively. Drawing on recent legislative developments from the Republic of Moldova as a comparative example, participants examined current practices in Azerbaijan and engaged in a constructive dialogue on potential legislative and institutional measures that could strengthen the country's response to these forms of violence.
This event is part of the Council of Europe and the European Union joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the Council of Europe and the European Union, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project "Preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in Azerbaijan."
Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2026
