Decision 2023/1075 - Conclusion of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence with regard to institutions and public administration of the Union - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 143/1

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (‘the Convention’) is the first international instrument aiming to eliminate violence against women, including girls under the age of 18, as a root cause of persisting inequality between men and women, by setting up a comprehensive framework of legal and policy measures to prevent violence against women and protect and assist victims of such violence. The Convention entered into force on 1 April 2014. In accordance with Article 75 of the Convention, the Union may become a Party to the Convention.

In accordance with Council Decisions (EU) 2017/865 (2) and (EU) 2017/866 (3), the Convention was signed on 13 June 2017 on behalf of the Union with regard to the matters covered by the Convention which fall within the exclusive competence of the European Union, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

The Convention creates a comprehensive and multifaceted legal framework to protect women against all forms of violence. It seeks to prevent, prosecute and eliminate violence against women and girls and domestic violence. It covers a broad range of measures, from data collection and awareness-raising to legal measures on criminalising different forms of violence against women. It includes measures for the protection of victims and the provision of support services, and addresses the gender based violence dimension in matters of asylum and migration. The Convention establishes a specific monitoring mechanism in order to ensure effective implementation of its provisions by the Parties.

The conclusion of the Convention on behalf of the Union will contribute to the realisation of equality between women and men in all areas, which is a core objective and value of the Union to be realised in all its activities in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union, Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Violence against women is not only a criminal offence but also a violation of their human rights and an extreme form of discrimination, entrenched in gender inequalities and contributing to maintaining and reinforcing them. By committing to the implementation of the Convention, the Union confirms its engagement in combating violence against women within its territory and globally, and reinforces its current political action and existing substantial legal framework in the area of criminal procedural law, which is of particular relevance for women and girls.

The Convention covers matters which fall within the exclusive competence of the Union and other matters which fall within the competence of the Member States.

The Union should accede to the Convention only as regards the matters falling within the exclusive competence of the Union, namely insofar as the relevant provisions of the Convention may affect common rules or alter their scope. The Member States retain their competence insofar as the Convention does not affect common rules or alter the...