One in three women in the EU has experienced physical and/or sexual violence – around 62 million women.

Now EU policymakers have finally declared that;” Enough is enough”.

Earlier this week, the European Parliament voted to back a “convention” that aims to crackdown on this “hidden” crime, one that has been with us for far, far too long.

The EU ratification of what is called the Istanbul Convention is, in some ways, the final achievement of a long political battle

Many have said that anyone voting against this is, in fact, effectively in favour of tolerating domestic violence.

All EU Member States had previously signed up to the convention but six countries have yet to ratify the accord. Council – the EU body representing EU member states –is expected to ratify the convention on behalf of the EU as a whole in June. 

The Istanbul Convention is the first instrument in Europe to set legally binding standards specifically to address violence against women and domestic violence. It was actually adopted way back on 7 April 2011 and came into force on 1 August 2014. All MSs have signed it, but as of today, 6 member states – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia – have not ratified it yet.

The EU accession to the convention was a priority in the EU 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy.  

However, the EU Court of Justice has confirmed that the European Union can ratify the convention without having the agreement of all member states.

The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration. In line with this, on 10 May, MEPs voted to give their consent in two separate votes:

MEPs have urged the remaining six countries to ratify the convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope.

Commenting on the issue, Lukasz Kohut, a Socialist MEP from Poland and lead MEP for the Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, said: “Gender-based violence is the biggest unsolved daily problem in Europe. One in three women in the EU has experienced physical and/or sexual violence – around 62 million women. Enough is enough. The Istanbul Convention is recognised as the most effective tool for combating gender-based violence, as it imposes concrete obligations. A European law anti-violence umbrella will protect women and girls in Europe, through the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention.”

Further reaction has come from Arba Kokalari (EPP, Sweden), lead MEP for the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, said: “It’s time for the EU to ratify the Istanbul Convention. The EU must step up and go from words to action to stop gender-based violence, protect victims and punish perpetrators. I am very glad that the EU is finally taking the necessary steps for the safety and fundamental freedoms of women in Europe. After almost ten years of pushing from the European Parliament, now the ratification of the Istanbul Convention will raise standards in combatting and preventing gender-based violence.”

So, why is all this so important?

Well, the WHO says that violence against women – particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence – is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights.

Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.

Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings.

From the Argentine province of Chaco, 48-year-old mother of seven, Diana suffered for 28 years before finally deciding to separate from her abusive partner.

“I wasn’t afraid that he would beat me, I was convinced that he would kill me,” she said.

At first, she hesitated to file a police complaint for fear of how he might react, but as she learned more about the services provided by a local shelter, she realized that she could escape her tormentor. She also decided to press charges.

The “good” news, if there is such a thing on such a matter, is that violence against women is preventable. The health sector has an important role to play to provide comprehensive health care to women subjected to violence, and as an entry point for referring women to other support services they may need.

In 2020, COVID-19 touched our lives in nearly every way, everywhere, as countries went into lockdown and restricted movement to contain the spread of the virus. As doors closed and isolation began, reports of all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, began to rise.

The pandemic of violence against women is not new. Even before COVID-19 hit us, globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the violence, even as support services faltered and accessing help became harder.

A group called UN Women has sought to shine a light on the need for funding, essential services, prevention and data that shapes better-informed responses.

It has listed ten ways you can make a difference, including listening to and believing survivors, teaching the next generation and learning from them and also learning the signs of abuse and how you can help.

Survivors of such abuse include people like 48-year-old mother of seven Diana, from Argentina, who suffered for 28 years before finally deciding to separate from her abusive partner.

“I wasn’t afraid that he would beat me, I was convinced that he would kill me,” she said.

At first, she hesitated to file a police complaint for fear of how he might react, but as she learned more about the services provided by a local shelter, she realized that she could escape her tormentor. She also decided to press charges.

Living with an abusive father, her children also suffered psychological stress and economic hardship.

Leaving was not easy, but with the support of a social workers, a local shelter and a safe space to recover, Diana got a job as an administrative assistant in a municipal office.

“I admit that it was difficult, but with the [mental health] support, legal aid and skills training, I healed a lot,” she explained.

Essential services for survivors of domestic violence are a lifeline.

“I no longer feel like a prisoner, cornered, or betrayed. There are so many things one goes through as a victim, including the psychological [persecution] but now I know that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to”.

Diana is among 199 women survivors housed at a shelter affiliated with the Inter-American Shelter Network, supported by UN Women  through  the  Spotlight Initiative in Latin America. The shelter has also provided psychosocial support and legal assistance to more than 1,057 women since 2017.