The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) have published their first two evaluation reports: on Austria and Monaco.
In Austria, among other findings, GREVIO notes a “stark contrast” in the number, scale and regional spread of services between domestic violence services and services for victims of other forms of violence. Thus, for example, in contrast to domestic violence victims who can easily turn to a violence protection centre throughout the country, rape victims will find specialised counselling in only five provinces.
For Monaco, the experts call on authorities to strengthen prevention, protection and law-enforcement measures. Efforts also must be made to address one of the root causes of this type of violence: gender inequality.
Currently made up of 10 members, 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 (Istanbul Convention).