A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) will carry out an evaluation visit to Italy from 13 to 20 March 2019. This visit is one of the steps in the procedure to monitor the implementation by Italy of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

The Istanbul Convention is based on the understanding that states must fully address gender-based violence in all its forms and take measures to prevent such violence, protect the victims and prosecute the perpetrators.

Meetings will be held with representatives from the designated national coordinated body (Department for Equal opportunities under the presidency of the Council of Ministers) and different Ministries (Ministry of Family and Disability, Ministry of Economy and Finances, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, University and Research). In addition, GREVIO will meet with representatives of local authorities and public institutions in Bari and Milano.

Meetings with civil society and NGOs will include representatives of anti-violence centres, specialist services, as well as legal professionals working in the area of violence against women, including those with a specific focus on migrant women.

GREVIO plans to publish its evaluation report during 2020.