Violence against women is the most common violation of women’s human rights in Europe, but progress with policy and legal reform to tackle this phenomenon is slow. The Council of Europe is playing a leading role in preventing and combating all forms of violence against women through ground-breaking standards and awareness-raising activities.

Violence against women remains widespread in all member States of the Council of Europe, with devastating consequences for women, societies and economies. Opened for signature in May 2011, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) is the most far-reaching international treaty to tackle this serious violation of human rights.

Information about the Istanbul Convention

 Link to the website: Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention)

Publications on the Istanbul Convention: 

Papers on different articles of the Istanbul Convention:

Recommendation Rec (2002) 5

Recommendation Rec (2002) 5 of the Committee of Ministers on the Protection of Women against Violence

 

Information on the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings

The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings recognises that trafficking in human being is a heavily gendered phenomenon and contains several strong references to gender equality and gender mainstreaming.

Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls

Technology-facilitated violence is a growing phenomenon which disproportionately affects women and girls. Such violence reflects and reinforces deep-rooted inequalities, sexism, discrimination and gender stereotypes. It does not take place in a vacuum but forms part of the broader continuum of violence that women and girls experience in all spheres of life. The risks of technology-facilitated violence can be particularly pronounced, and its impact particularly severe, for women and girls exposed to intersecting forms of discrimination.

Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls has long-lasting impacts. For individuals, it can result in fear, anxiety and trauma. It can also contribute to social isolation and have lasting effects on education, employment and economic security. At societal level, technology-facilitated violence against women and girls can reduce participation in public life, thereby limiting the diversity of perspectives represented in public debate and undermining democratic discourse.

Accountability is central to addressing this phenomenon because technology-facilitated violence against women and girls often persists in an environment of impunity. Anonymity of perpetrators, fragmented legal frameworks, complex reporting processes, risk of victim-blaming, cross-border challenges and difficulties in securing digital evidence allow harmful conduct to continue unchecked. Strengthening accountability helps ensure that victims can meaningfully access justice, while reinforcing trust in public institutions and their ability to respond effectively to harm in digital spaces.

The Council of Europe has developed a multi-layered response to technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, drawing on the three pillars of its strategic triangle, namely standard-setting, monitoring and co-operation. The Istanbul Convention is the flagship instrument to prevent and combat violence against women, including its digital dimensions. In General Recommendation No. 1 on the digital dimension of violence against women, GREVIO clarifies how the Istanbul Convention applies to digital forms of violence and what measures states should take in response. Through its country evaluations under the Istanbul Convention, GREVIO also monitors states’ efforts to address digital violence against women and girls and provides guidance on areas where further action is needed.

Building on this framework, on 4 March 2026 the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2026)2 on accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. The Recommendation was jointly prepared by the Gender Equality Commission and the Council of Europe’s Committee on Crime Problems and is the first international legal standard focused on accountability for this form of violence. It provides guidance for member States on enhancing legal, institutional and regulatory responses to strengthen accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. This includes prevention measures to foster an environment of accountability in which such violence is not facilitated, condoned, accepted or ignored.

To support the implementation of standards, the Council of Europe carries out co-operation activities, including capacity-building initiatives and the development of practical tools and resources for member States. Among these is the HELP course on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, a dedicated online training course for legal and other professionals on preventing and responding to this form of violence.

Resources:

Other tools and publications of the Council of Europe