Today, a new publication is being released, providing guidance to set up official co-ordinating bodies responsible for policies on violence against women, in line with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). This publication belongs to a series of papers with in-depth analyses of specific articles of the convention. This paper gives advice on the implementation of Article 10, which requires the designation or establishment of one or more official bodies responsible for the co-ordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and measures to prevent and combat all forms of violence against women. 

Drawing on research, particularly the baseline evaluation reports of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), this study includes an overview of different national approaches followed to designate or establish such bodies, including promising practices. The paper also provides policy makers and relevant professionals with guidance on designing evidence based policies, co-ordinating the implementation of policies across sectors, as well as ensuring the monitoring and independent evaluation of policies on violence against women. The paper also underlines ways the importance of ensuring the allocation of adequate resources, the development of clear mandates for these bodies, and the use of efficient working methods, based on the promotion of inter-institutional co-ordination, co-operation with non-governemental organisations, and the implementation of a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach to policy making.

Finally, the study concludes with a checklist for setting up co-ordinating bodies in line with the requirements of Article 10, the general principles of the Istanbul Convention, and GREVIO’s findings, as well as a list of key resources for further guidance.