– where necessary, issued on an ex parte basis which has immediate effect;

– available irrespective of, or in addition to, other legal proceedings;

– allowed to be introduced in subsequent legal proceedings.

3 Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that breaches of restraining

or protection orders issued pursuant to paragraph 1 shall be subject to effective, proportionate and

dissuasive criminal or other legal sanctions.

Article 54 – Investigations and evidence

Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure that, in any civil or criminal

proceedings, evidence relating to the sexual history and conduct of the victim shall be permitted

only when it is relevant and necessary.

Article 55 –Ex parte and ex officio proceedings

1 Parties shall ensure that investigations into or prosecution of offences established in accordance

with Articles 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 of this Convention shall not be wholly dependant upon a report

or complaint filed by a victim if the offence was committed in whole or in part on its territory, and

that the proceedings may continue even if the victim withdraws her or his statement or complaint.

2 Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to ensure, in accordance with the

conditions provided for by their internal law, the possibility for governmental and non-

governmental organisations and domestic violence counsellors to assist and/or support victims, at

their request, during investigations and judicial proceedings concerning the offences established in

accordance with this Convention.

Article 56 – Measures of protection

1 Parties shall take the necessary legislative or other measures to protect the rights and interests of

victims, including their special needs as witnesses, at all stages of investigations and judicial

proceedings, in particular by:

a providing for their protection, as well as that of their families and witnesses, from

intimidation, retaliation and repeat victimisation;

b ensuring that victims are informed, at least in cases where the victims and the family might be

in danger, when the perpetrator escapes or is released temporarily or definitively;

c informing them, under the conditions provided for by internal law, of their rights and the

services at their disposal and the follow-up given to their complaint, the charges, the general

progress of the investigation or proceedings, and their role therein, as well as the outcome of

their case;

d enabling victims, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of internal law, to be heard,

to supply evidence and have their views, needs and concerns presented, directly or through an

intermediary, and considered;

e providing victims with appropriate support services so that their rights and interests are duly

presented and taken into account;

f ensuring that measures may be adopted to protect the privacy and the image of the victim;

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