German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Elke Ferner today formally announced Germany’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
“Ratifying the Istanbul Convention is an important step to stop all forms of violence against women in Germany,” said State Secretary Ferner.
The Istanbul Convention – so named because it was opened for signature in Istanbul – criminalises violence against women in all its forms. It seeks to prevent violent acts, protect and support victims and prosecute perpetrators.
"This is not only a major step for Germany – the 25th country to ratify – but also for all of Europe, as it will allow for more intense monitoring of our convention," added Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland.
