In its first thematic evaluation report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of experts on action against violence against women and domestic violence (GREVIO), shines a light on laudable efforts made by San Marino to implement the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (known as the “Istanbul Convention”) with a focus on delivering support, protection and justice for victims.
Legal changes praised
The report recognises significant advances, including the alignment of criminal legislation with the requirements of the convention through the introduction of the offence of sexual harassment, harmonisation of stalking provisions, and new offences addressing the digital dimension of violence against women. GREVIO welcomes the adoption of the Comprehensive National Plan to combat violence against women (2024-26), structured along the main four pillars of the Istanbul Convention – prevention, protection, prosecution, and integrated policies – as well as the introduction of a national multiyear plan addressing violence and discrimination in the workplace.
GREVIO highlights the establishment of multi-agency cooperation among all professionals working with victims, including the Anti-Violence Network (Rete antiviolenza) and the relevant authorities. Measures such as risk-assessment conferences and individual safety plans have been introduced, and steps have been taken to enhance victim safety during legal proceedings and prevent secondary victimisation. The prioritisation of cases relating to the convention in court proceedings has also been noted, resulting in no more examples of cases becoming time-barred.
Action still needed
Despite these positive steps, the report identifies areas requiring urgent action to comply fully with the convention’s provisions, including the need for increased funding for coordinating bodies and civil society organisations. GREVIO also points to the lack of emergency barring orders for perpetrators of domestic violence and notes low rates of reporting and prosecution of rape and sexual violence. Strengthening investigative capacity and support services, as well as eliminating barriers to justice for victims, remain priorities.
GREVIO also outlines several additional issues that require sustained action. The findings include prioritising all forms of violence covered by the Istanbul Convention in national strategies, enhancing mandatory training for all relevant professionals, improving specialised victim support services, and promoting the economic independence of victims. GREVIO also calls for legislative safeguards to ensure that any history of violence against women is always considered in custody and visitation decisions, more effective sentencing for offences covered by the Istanbul Convention, and consistent sanctions for breaches of protection orders. The report urges regular policy evaluation and proactive screening for violence in the public and private healthcare sectors. The report observes recent legislative efforts to align San Marino’s Criminal Code with the Istanbul Convention and advance violence prevention in sports, while noting the need to strengthen the role of civil society in policy development and implementation.
The report has been published together with the government comments.
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GREVIO is the independent expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (known as the “Istanbul Convention”) by the parties. Open for signature to any country in the world in addition to the 46 Council of Europe member states, the treaty has been ratified so far by 38 states and the European Union, and signed by another six.
