The CyberSEE joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe in cooperation with the CyberSouth+, GLACY-e, Octopus projects and CyberKOP Action, with the support of criminal justice authorities from South-East Europe, organised the International conference on combating cyberviolence against women (CYBERVAW), on 23-24 of November 2025, in Budva, Montenegro.
This South-East Europe initiative turned into a broader event given the relevance of the topic and general interest of the criminal justice authorities in enhancing capacities and international cooperation on addressing cyberviolence. The event brought together 75 participants from over 25 countries, including prosecutors, judges, cybercrime investigators, policymakers, and civil society, to advance on gender-responsive approaches within criminal justice systems and sharing of good practices among jurisdictions.
The conference featured panels dedicated to key international legal frameworks, including the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and its Second Additional Protocol, the Istanbul Convention, the UN Convention against Cybercrime, the GREVIO General Recommendation No.1 on the digital dimension of violence against women, the draft Council of Europe Recommendation on accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, as well as the relevant EU instruments, the Directive on combating violence against women, the Digital Services Act and the AI Act.
The discussions also provided overviews of domestic legal provisions and policies addressing various forms of cyberviolence, with particular attention to the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCDII). Participants emphasized the need for clearer legal definitions and more harmonized approaches across jurisdictions. Several countries shared ongoing reform efforts in cybercrime and electronic evidence legislation, identifying opportunities to incorporate specific measures to better address cyberviolence. The event included panels dedicated to criminal justice responses, showcasing examples and case studies that explored evidentiary and procedural challenges, survivor-centred approaches, and mechanisms for cross-border cooperation and content removal. The conference highlighted women’s leadership in criminal justice system, as well as the crucial role of international cooperation and engagement from the private sector and civil society in prevention, detection and victim support.
On the second day, participants worked in small groups on scenario-based exercises inspired by real cases of online gender-based violence, including the humiliation of a female journalist, interference in political campaigns, trafficking and exploitation, doxxing, harassment and non-consensual distribution of intimate images. They examined whether such cases would lead to investigation and prosecution in their countries, identified existing gaps, and discussed measures to improve victim support and content removal to prevent revictimization. These exchanges enhanced participants’ understanding of international frameworks on cyberviolence against women and fostered the sharing of national practices and approaches to strengthen judicial cross-border cooperation.
The key outcome of this conference was a shared recognition of the importance of integrating cyberviolence provisions into broader criminal law reforms. Participants agreed that international standards and practical experiences can guide national efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, improve investigation and prosecution, and ultimately enhance protection for victims. The event thus laid the groundwork for concrete follow-up actions, cooperation and advancement of legislation and practice in this field. In addition, given the limited jurisprudence in this area, participants highlighted the value of establishing a Directory of case law on gender-based cyberviolence for use by practitioners.
The Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC) will continue supporting practitioners in identifying gaps and practical solutions, and strengthening responses to technology-facilitated violence against women, in line with the Budapest Convention, its Second Additional Protocol and other relevant international standards.
Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC)
Octopus Project - CyberKOP Action
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)