Europe seeks to deter Russia after attempted attack in Leipzig

The Council of Europe has released a report evaluating Ukraine's efforts to implement the Istanbul Convention, which aims to combat violence against women. While the report acknowledges significant progress, it also highlights areas where improvements are needed, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ukraine ratified the Istanbul Convention in July 2022, and the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) commended Ukraine's strong political will and the steps taken to protect women from violence despite the war's immense difficulties. The report details how the war has exacerbated gender-based violence, with increased exposure of women to such violence.

Factors such as large-scale displacement, safety concerns for specialists, limited resources, and various obstacles hinder Ukraine's ability to effectively prevent and combat violence against women. Despite these challenges, GREVIO highlights several positive developments, including improved legislation, better victim protection, and specialist training.

Ukraine has aligned its laws with the convention since ratification, adopting laws to prevent and combat domestic violence, defining rape based on consent, and criminalizing sexual harassment in 2024.

The report also praises the creation of around 700 mobile teams of psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals who directly assist domestic violence victims, especially in rural areas. Additionally, the establishment of a National Training Center on Responding to Gender-Based Violence aims to upskill specialists working with women victims.

However, GREVIO stresses the need for consistent implementation of the convention across Ukraine and for addressing all forms of violence against women, not just domestic violence. The organization calls for increased public awareness of various forms of violence against women, especially conflict-related sexual violence, to reduce the stigma associated with it.

GREVIO also highlights the growing link between active military service and severe domestic violence, advocating for better protection for women both during and after their military service.