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It asks States to introduce a set of criminal offences such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage,

psychological violence, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual violence including rape, forced abortion and forced

sterilisation.

One of the main assets of the Istanbul Convention is that it is based on a holistic approach – the so-called 4

Ps:

- Preventing violence

- Protecting the victims

- Persecuting the perpetrators

- Integrated policies

This means that, to tackle violence against women, all these aspects must be addressed.

At the same time, it is necessary to bring together all the relevant actors: public authorities at national,

regional and local level, police, judges, civil society, as well as national human rights institutions. Ministries,

State agencies and NGOs should not act alone but in synergy and cooperation. Violence against women and

domestic violence must be tackled in a co-ordinated way.

Going beyond the golden standard

The Istanbul Convention offers a set of golden rules that can be applied in a variety of countries. The status

of women varies greatly amongst different Council of Europe member States. However, even though in

different ways, wherever they are all women share the scourge of gender-based and domestic violence.

Let me underline an important point. The Convention sets high standards and some of its principles are

entirely new to the legal systems of our countries. However, these standards are a minimum threshold. Nothing

prevents States from going even further. On the contrary, States parties are encouraged to widen the scope of

the norms and introduce even more protective measures.

Furthermore, the Istanbul Convention can be applied to all victims of domestic violence, irrespective of their

gender. Women are by far the largest group of victims. But men, children and the elderly may also suffer at the

hands of their family members.

They may need protection as well.

Celebrating the entry into force

In September 2014, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and the Council of Europe organised a big conference in Rome to mark the entry into force of the

Istanbul Convention.

This great achievement, which is certainly one to celebrate, does not mean that our efforts are over. The

extent of violence against women and the lack of awareness around it suggest that the Istanbul Convention will

be the starting point of a long process to change the heart and minds of people.

Implementation and monitoring

No matter how good the standards are, they are worthless if they are not implemented.

The Istanbul Convention adds value to its standards as it establishes a strong monitoring mechanism, which

should become operational starting from March 2015.

This mechanism will include two bodies:

- the GREVIO, Group of experts on action against violence against women and domestic violence, made

up of 10 to 15 members with a four year mandate;

and