“One decade since the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) entered into force, much progress has been made, but too many European countries still do not define rape in line with treaty guidelines.
“The Istanbul Convention, ratified by 38 countries and the EU, is monitored by the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO). GREVIO monitoring shows that countries have achieved progress so far, including specialised 24/7 telephone hotlines, increasing access to shelters, and developing comprehensive national action plans.
“But more should be done. For example, countries should better counter online sexual harassment, stalking, or psychological violence, which have become growing problems across Europe.
“In particular, the Istanbul Convention defines rape based on the absence of freely given consent, as opposed to traditional force-based definitions of rape. This is important to fully capture the realities of women and girls experiencing sexual violence and their coping mechanisms. Most recently, Finland, Denmark, Belgium and Spain have changed the legal definition of rape to fit treaty guidelines.
“All European countries should ratify the Istanbul Convention and adopt a legal definition of rape based on the absence of freely given consent.
“Protecting women and girls from violence is a year-round obligation. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December encourage governments to step up their efforts.”
What specific steps can individual European nations take, beyond simply ratifying the Istanbul Convention, to effectively address the emerging forms of violence against women, such as online stalking and psychological abuse?
## A Decade of Progress, A Long Road Ahead: Discussing the Istanbul Convention
**Welcome to World Today News!** We’re joined today by two esteemed guests to discuss the 10th anniversary of the Istanbul Convention, a landmark treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Our guests are:
* **Dr. Maria Santos**, a leading expert on gender-based violence and international law, and author of “Redefining Rape: The Istanbul Convention and its Impact”.
* **Anna Kowalski**, a survivor advocate and founder of the “Breaking the Silence” campaign, which raises awareness about online violence against women.
Thank you both for joining us today. Let’s begin.
**Section 1: Progress and Challenges**
* Dr. Santos, the article highlights significant progress made over the past decade in line with the Istanbul Convention. Could you elaborate on these achievements, and what specific examples exemplify this progress in Europe?
* Ms. Kowalski, while acknowledging these advancements, the article also mentions that “…too many European countries still do not define rape in line with treaty guidelines”. How does this inconsistency in legal definitions impact survivors and the fight against sexual violence?
**Section 2: The Shift in Defining Rape**
* Dr. Santos, the Convention’s definition of rape hinged on the absence of freely given consent, a departure from traditional force-based definitions. What are the ramifications of this shift in understanding rape, both legally and socially?
* Ms. Kowalski, having experienced online violence firsthand, how do you see the redefined definition of rape addressing the nuances of contemporary forms of sexual violence, especially those occurring in online spaces?
**Section 3: Addressing New Forms of Violence**
* Dr. Santos, the article emphasizes the need to counter growing problems like online sexual harassment, stalking, and psychological violence. How can the Istanbul Convention be adapted to effectively address these evolving threats? What specific measures could be implemented at national and international levels?
* Ms. Kowalski, from your perspective as a survivor advocate, what changes would make a real difference in protecting women and girls from these new forms of violence?
**Section 4: The Road Ahead**
* Dr. Santos, the article concludes by calling for all European countries to ratify the Istanbul Convention and adopt a consent-based definition of rape. What are the long-term implications, both for individual countries and for Europe as a whole, if this call goes unanswered?
* Ms. Kowalski, as we enter the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, what message do you have for individuals, governments, and societies at large who want to contribute towards a future free from violence against women and girls?
**Closing:**
Thank you both for sharing your invaluable insights on this crucial topic. We encourage viewers to learn more about the Istanbul Convention and to join the global movement to end all forms of violence against women. Remember, change starts with awareness and action.
