The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for DV-LAW-1

Oct. 22, 2024, 11 a.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Victoria is the only state that has made dowry abuse a family violence offence" (para 5).
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:59 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"In 2007, the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) Revised Edition 2011, CAP 178 of the Laws of Belize replaced the 2000 version. The Revised DVA came into effect in October 2008. Amendments were made in 2011. The Revised DVA ensures prompt and equitable legal remedies for survivors of domestic violence. It supports sanctions against physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. It strengthened the ability of the courts and law enforcement agents to protect persons from abuse" (3). "In ensuring that the state places high priority on addressing all forms of violence against women, the revised Domestic Violence Act (DVA) was brought into effect in 2008 and calls for prompt and...more
July 18, 2024, 6:38 p.m.
Countries: Guatemala
Variables: DV-LAW-1, DV-LAW-2

"With regard to the strengthening and follow-up of the National Coordination Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Violence against Women, progress was made towards establishing regular and special meetings, following up on policy measures aimed at eradicating violence against women and on the Office’s activities. In 2021, members and alternates were appointed to six working committees. The 2018–2022 strategic plan, which regulates the Office’s actions to prevent, address, punish and provide reparation to victims of violence against women, was strengthened" (5).
April 19, 2024, 3:06 p.m.
Countries: Serbia
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, introducing emergency protection measures for victims, [was adopted] in 2016" (2).
April 9, 2024, 9:31 p.m.
Countries: Cuba
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"There is a record of progress in essential areas: the Comprehensive Strategy against gender-based and intrafamily violence, the transversal treatment of gender-based violence in regulatory bodies such as the Family Code, the Penal Code and the Criminal Enforcement Law, based on the updating of the National Program for the Advancement of Women. However, they are instruments that are not yet sufficiently grounded in the institutional and political dynamics of the country. The Program will have been approved two years ago and the Strategy for just over one" (para 6-7). "Public entities, the media and civil service officials have obligations and a commitment to the Constitution, which dedicated an entire article...more
March 15, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
Countries: Gabon
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"[I]n the absence of specific legislation, the Penal Code establishes penalties for rape [domestic violence]" (10).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Some of the gaps identified as hindrances in the effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, 2008 were addressed through the development of Regulations to this Act in 2013. The Government continues to provide technical and financial support to non-governmental organizations to offer counselling services to GBV survivors and their families and shelter facilities. In 2011, there was developed Gender Based Violence Health Sector Policy Framework and Health Care Service Providers Protocols and Service Standards. The Botswana Police Service has also included gender and gender based violence in their pre-service and in service training" (6). "The Domestic Violence Act, 2008 has since been operationalised by the promulgation of the Regulations...more
Nov. 6, 2023, 11:49 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"[T]he Anti-Domestic Violence Law [was] passed by the NPC Standing Committee in December 2015" (7). "It is stipulated in the Law that all forms of domestic violence are prohibited" (13).
Sept. 30, 2023, 4 p.m.
Countries: Kazakhstan
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The Committee welcomes the progress achieved since the consideration in 2014 of the State party’s combined third and fourth periodic reports (CEDAW/C/KAZ/3–4) in undertaking legislative reforms, in particular the adoption of the following: Law on the victim compensation fund (2018), which provides for compensation for victims, including women, who have suffered moral, physical or material harm as a result of a crime" (p.2).
Sept. 7, 2023, 12:33 p.m.
Countries: Lebanon
Variables: DV-LAW-1, DTCP-LAW-1

"Even though parliament passed a law that protects women from family violence in 2014, and then amended it in 2020 to pave the way for today’s protection orders, there are still many ways abusers can get away with violence. There are 18 officially recognised religious sects in the country, and 15 of them have their own laws and courts. [Zoya] Rouhana [of NGO Kafa] said that, in some cases, 'the religious laws discriminate against women and put them into subordinate positions, asking the women to obey their husbands.' Religious courts cannot interfere with civil courts and protection orders, but they are in charge of issues like marriage, divorce, and custody....more
Aug. 15, 2023, 6:17 a.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Interministerial circular No. 016/MJ/MEMIS/MPRD of 4 August 2016 and circular No. 005 of 18 March 2014 of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights concerning the reporting of cases of gender-based violence" (2). "The Committee notes that the Code of Criminal Procedure has been adopted and that the Criminal Code is being revised. It notes with concern, however: (a) The absence of a definition of rape and the failure to criminalize marital rape and domestic violence in the Criminal Code (Law No. 1981-640 of 31 July 1981, as amended by Law No. 1995-522 of 6 July 1995, and Law No. 2015-134 of 9 March 2015)" (8). "The Committee recommends that...more
Aug. 8, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, DV-LAW-1

"[A]ll forms of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence, against women and girls are not defined and criminalized in the current legislation, nor is there provision for ex officio prosecution of acts of gender-based violence against women" (6).
July 30, 2023, 5:46 a.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"People fleeing domestic abuse are being put in danger by local authorities who fail to provide housing for months on end, despite a law which should prioritise them, a new study shows." (Parag. 1) "'The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives those who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse priority need for accommodation. This is secured by the local authority and means they don’t need to remain with their abuser. Since April 2021 we have provided £250m to councils across England to make sure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges, can provide victims with support services including counselling and therapy, children support and advocacy support to access healthcare, social...more
July 12, 2023, 11:11 p.m.
Countries: United Kingdom
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"People fleeing domestic abuse are being put in danger by local authorities who fail to provide housing for months on end, despite a law which should prioritise them, a new study shows." (Parag. 1) "“The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives those who are homeless as a result of domestic abuse priority need for accommodation. This is secured by the local authority and means they don’t need to remain with their abuser. Since April 2021 we have provided £250m to councils across England to make sure safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges, can provide victims with support services including counselling and therapy, children support and advocacy support to access healthcare, social...more
July 10, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Under Law Number 3/2010 (Domestic Violence Prevention Act) (DVPA) adopted in 2012, the Family Protection Authority (FPA) was established and has rolled out a case referral and monitoring protocol, as well as two National Domestic Violence Prevention Strategic Plans, with the second (MDVPS 2017–2021) now on-going and focused on clarifying the explicit obligations and policy revisions required to ensure the full enforcement of the DVPA. Under the MDVPSs: The FPA and MOGFSS have ensured that the 19 Atolls in which the 187 inhabited islands are clustered, have strengthened Family and Children Services Centres (FCSC); MOGFSS has established and/or consolidated resources and staffing for four shelters for survivors of violence; Extensive...more
June 27, 2023, 11:16 p.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The law states that a person claiming domestic abuse must visit a 'forensic physician' for an examination to document injuries and that the physician must determine that the injuries suffered 'incapacitated' the victim for 15 days" (27).
June 20, 2023, 9:30 p.m.
Countries: Nicaragua
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"In 2013, the national campaign 'Live cleanly, healthily, happily and well' was launched, and in 2014, the strategy on citizen and human security was formulated, aimed at achieving relations of equity and social justice. As a means of supporting the national strategy to combat domestic and gender-based violence, from 2014 to 2016 family and community-based counsellors were introduced to encourage the recovery of family values." (11). "The Criminal Code (Act No. 641) gives legal recognition to injuries resulting from psychological harm, makes domestic violence a separate offence..."(13).
June 14, 2023, 7:56 p.m.
Countries: Bolivia
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Act No. 348 expressly prohibits conciliation with regard to the reported facts or to the life and sexual integrity of the victim, if they have been placed at risk. It also provides that no institution that handles complaints, nor the staff of that institution, can encourage conciliation or formulate agreements between a woman and her abuser, under pain of liability" (12).
May 12, 2023, 11:01 a.m.
Countries: Germany
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"In February 2018, Germany put into force the Council of Europe's convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, usually called the 'Istanbul Convention' after the city where it was signed in 2011. It is the world's first legally binding treaty to prevent domestic violence. It mandates gender equality in constitutions and aims to improve the situation of women with prevention, education, support services and law enforcement." (Para.20). "Terre des Femmes expert Stotz says some progress has been made. 'After ratification, the federal government set up a national helpline for victims that is available around the clock in many languages.' In addition, the BKA annually collects figures...more
May 11, 2023, 10:15 p.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The horrific murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by her monstrous husband has resulted in landmark changes in domestic violence laws in Queensland, with the coercive control of a partner or family member is set to be a criminal offence" (Para. 1). "Tasmania was the first and only state in Australia to outlaw coercive control. NSW state government last year committed to outlawing the behaviour" (Para. 25).
April 19, 2023, 5:18 p.m.
Countries: United States
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The study comes just as U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced legislation reauthorizing the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) this week." (para 5). "VAWA, as it is currently written, does include language that allots 'grants for outreach and services to under-served populations.' But no racial language is written into the act. Federal law prohibits legislation that earmarks government funding based on race." (para 9).
April 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Uzbekistan
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"...and in 2019 the legislation adopted included: the Protection of Victims, Witnesses and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings Act of 14 January 2019…"(4). "The Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence Act of 2 September 2019 defines the concepts of sexual, physical, economic and psychological violence. The harassment of women is distinguished from other forms of violence as an action (or inaction) that diminishes women’s human dignity and includes workplace harassment. In accordance with the Act, the entities involved in combating harassment and violence against women are not only law enforcement bodies, but also central and local executive authorities, education, labour and health authorities, women’s and other non-governmental organizations, citizens’...more
March 31, 2023, 2:31 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"[T]he Penal Code, particularly articles 17 and 60, which justify and condone acts of violence against women by requiring that battery exceed 'accepted limits of discipline' for it to be successfully prosecuted, providing for the 'good faith' defence that absolves men from criminal responsibility in domestic violence cases, as well as articles 237, 274 and 277, which allow for leniency for so-called 'honour crimes', including the discriminatory application of sanctions for adultery, which perpetuate gender-based violence" (6).
March 8, 2023, 1:43 p.m.
Countries: Montenegro
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"[T]here was not a single reported case of marital rape qualified as a criminal offense. Prosecutors treated such cases as 'sexual harassment' in accordance with the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence" (12). "Until the application of the Law on Compensation for Victims of Violence or the provision on the beginning of its application is amended, victims of violence in the process of claiming damages depend on a conviction that provides them with the right to compensation, either within criminal proceedings (criminal proceedings and claims for damages) or within a separate proceeding (civil litigation). The Law on Protection from Domestic Violence sets forth several protective measures that can be imposed...more
Feb. 24, 2023, 12:54 p.m.
Countries: Nepal
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The Domestic Violence (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2009, amended in 2015, lists some grave cases of domestic violence under State offence. Local authorities, the Nepal Police, courts and the NWC have been implementing the Act and its Rules, 2010 in receiving complaints, proper investigation, prosecution and ensuring punishment against the perpetrators in the cases of domestic violence. The monitoring framework is expected to enable DoWC to coordinate with the police and different partners to gather information on cases of domestic violence and monitor the implementation status of the law." (8). "Role of the Domestic Violence (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2009 and its Rules, 2010, Witchcraft related Accusation (Offence and Punishment)...more
Feb. 19, 2023, 1:18 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: DACH-LAW-1, ERBG-PRACTICE-2, ERBG-PRACTICE-3, ERBG-LAW-1, LBHO-PRACTICE-2, LBHO-LAW-1, DV-LAW-1, AFE-LAW-1, DTCP-LAW-1, CONST-LAW-1

“While the law provides women the same legal status and rights as men, women faced some discrimination in economic participation and political empowerment. The law provides for equal opportunities in all spheres of public, economic, and political life; equal access to public resources; equal treatment; exclusion of gender-based discrimination and violence; balanced representation of men and women in all decision-making bodies; and overcoming gender-based stereotypes” (p. 23).
Feb. 19, 2023, 1 p.m.
Countries: Bulgaria
Variables: DV-LAW-1

“Policy dialogue concerning violence against women in Bulgaria has had a long and controversial history. Some of the important challenges faced include the slow pace of policy and legal reforms, the non-availability and non-accessibility of support services for victims of domestic violence, and poor coordination of efforts” (bottom of first paragraph). “In January 2021, WHO supported Bulgaria’s Ministry of Justice to prepare a draft law amending the Protection against Domestic Violence Act (PADVA), with the participation of the office of the Ombudsman, Civil Society Organizations, and NGO partners. With the entry into force of the new law, a National Commission for Prevention of Domestic Violence will be established as a...more
Feb. 18, 2023, 10:46 a.m.
Countries: Canada
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The jury in Renfrew County, Ontario, just west of Canada’s capital, delivered 86 recommendations this week in a unanimous verdict on the deaths of three local women, who were killed by the same man on a single morning nearly seven years ago" (Para.2). "The boldest was to have the Ontario government 'formally declare intimate partner violence as an epidemic' that requires 'significant financial investment' and deep systemic change to remedy" (Para.3). "The jury also recommended official prominence be given to the word 'femicide' – to have it be listed as a manner of death by coroners in the province and added to the criminal code of Canada to underscore the...more
Feb. 18, 2023, 10:38 a.m.
Countries: China
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"Making contact with a potential victim is something we’re taught to do as domestic violence volunteers, as it reminds victims that they can seek assistance from others. On the night of May 19, about five weeks after the first assault, I heard a loud noise like furniture being smashed on the floor, then a woman’s voice: 'Help! Help! My husband is beating me!' I rushed upstairs, where I found the woman sitting on the floor, hurt and unable to stand" (Para.9). "I returned to my own floor and called the police again. This time I stressed that the woman needed medical care. It’s another strategy we are taught: By highlighting...more
Feb. 6, 2023, 12:07 p.m.
Countries: Kyrgyzstan
Variables: DV-LAW-1

"The Committee [on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women] welcomes the progress achieved since the consideration in 2015 of the State party’s previous report in undertaking legislative reforms, in particular the adoption of the following: The Act on Protection and Defence against Domestic Violence (Act No. 63 of 27 April 2017)" (1, 5). "The Committee recommends that the State party...[r]eview the Act on Protection and Defence against Domestic Violence to ensure that it covers all forms of gender-based violence and takes into account the special needs of disadvantaged and marginalized groups of women, including women with disabilities, migrant women, women living with HIV/AIDS, women using drugs and...more