Istanbul Convention - Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

The Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) was adopted by the Council of Europe on 11 May 2011 and entered into force on 1 August 2014. Belgium ratified the Istanbul Convention on 14 March 2016.

The Istanbul Convention is the first legally binding international instrument to prevent and combat violence against women and girls. It establishes a comprehensive framework of legal and policy measures to prevent such violence, support victims and punish perpetrators. A group of experts in the field of action against violence against women and domestic violence, the GREVIO Committee, monitors compliance with the Istanbul Convention.

Tasks of GREVIO:

• GREVIO draws up reports evaluating the legislative and other measures taken by the parties to implement the provisions of the Convention.
• In cases where action is required to prevent a serious, widespread or persistent pattern of acts of violence covered by the Convention, GREVIO may initiate a special investigation procedure.
• GREVIO may, where necessary, make general recommendations on themes and concepts of the Convention.