Background

What many have feared is now showing in data: the various types of lockdowns and social distancing introduced to contain the spread of COVID-19 around the world are putting women at increased risk of gender-based violence. While in some countries calls for help to the police and/or helplines for domestic violence have gone up significantly, women elsewhere appear to be refraining from seeking help. Where perpetrators of sexual, physical or psychological violence share the residence with their victims, the lockdowns are exacerbating the situation. Various forms of technology-facilitated violence (sextortion, non-consensual image/video sharing etc) seem on the rise. A more hidden issue is how containment measures are impacting on women who are or fear becoming homeless if they leave their abuser.

The Council of Europe Istanbul Convention and its standards for a holistic response to the prevention of violence against women, the protection and support for victims and the prosecution of perpetrators is more relevant than ever and continues to apply.  T

Objective

As we begin to move out of a full lockdown but with many restrictions still in place, it is important to look at the institutional responses and ask what is working to prevent and combat violence against women. Are institutional responses meeting the rights and needs of victims as set out in the Istanbul Convention? What are the gaps and shortcomings that have been exposed as a result of the pandemic? What are the important issues that we need to prioritise in this transition phase and beyond to ensure women survivors and their needs are given the attention they deserve?