A new Handbook for parliamentarians on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) is now available in English, French, German and Russian. The handbook, issued by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, aims to strengthen parliamentary knowledge about the Convention and to support parliamentarians across Europe to play an active role in promoting its signature, ratification and implementation. It also presents examples of how parliamentarians can use their legislative, oversight and other functions to help end violence against women and domestic violence.

As the global coronavirus pandemic ravages Europe, the policy of isolation and confinement has led to increased levels of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Governments and national parliaments should raise awareness in tackling these consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The handbook provides parliamentarians with concrete measures, good practices and tools to act on violence against women as well as useful references and indicators to measure progress made. More information here.