A delegation of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) visited Austria from 28 November to 2 December 2016 in its first ever country visit to monitor the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The Istanbul Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, 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 its victims and prosecute the perpetrators.

GREVIO members Marceline Naudi (First Vice-President) and Vesna Ratkovic carried out the visit, supported by Sabine Kräuter-Stockton (senior public prosecutor) Louise Hooper (barrister specialising in asylum law). The delegation visited a refugee reception facility (EAST Traiskirchen) to evaluate the conditions of women migrants. It also met a wide range of federal ministries and agencies in Vienna and Graz, including Women Affairs and Health, Education, Interior and Justice, active members of law enforcement and the judiciary, and youth welfare offices. Finally, meetings took place with representatives of civil society and NGOs.

GREVIO plans to publish its evaluation, along with the government’s reply, in mid-2017.