The project aims to ensure that victims of digital and sexual violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoy their rights in line with Council of Europe standards, and in particular with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

About the Project

In order to ensure victim’s right, the project will support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to align their policies, legislation and practice on digital and sexual violence against women with the Council of Europe standards, in particular the Istanbul Convention, ECtHR case law and EU Acquis. It responds to the drastic rise in the prevalence of violence against women, including new types of digital violence against women[1]. The 2022 GREVIO evaluation report underlines the gaps between the legislative, policy and implementation levels, and the continuous need to train professionals to adequately respond to the needs of victims.  The project will analyse the legal and policy frameworks and practices to harmonise them with GREVIO’s findings and provide targeted support to key actors. It will raise awareness among the general public and strengthen the capacity of relevant authorities on preventing and combating digital and sexual violence as specific types of violence against women.

Partners

• Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Gender Centre of Republika Srpska
• Gender Centre of the Federation of BiH
• Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ministry of Justice of the Federation of BiH
• Ministry of Justice of the Republika Srpska
• Ministry of Interior of Federation BiH
• Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska

The project also co-operates with civil society organisations that support women victims of sexual and digital violence against women.

Duration

1 June 2023 – 30 November 2024

Donors

Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022 - 2025