We were thrilled to see the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Ratification of Convention) bill was signed off by the Queen and became an Act of Parliament yesterday.

This new law requires the government to set a timeline for ratification of the Istanbul Convention (IC) and to report annually on progress they are making towards ratification. Once they have ratified the IC, the law requires them report annually on progress they are making in implementing it.

This success was the result of the hard work of Dr Eilidh Whiteford and supporting MPs from across all parties as well as the coalition of fantastic organisations and individual supporters.

The campaign is far from over - as the UK Government has not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention - but this is a huge step towards this.

In the run up to the General election, the campaign will appear quiet as we prepare for what the world holds after the election. You can still contact us on info@icchange.co.uk

As well as being the General election, the 8th June will mark five years since the UK government signed the Istanbul Convention. To help us keep up the pressure for the life-saving Convention, please ask your MP candidates if they will be a champion for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women if elected. Email us if you would like us to send you a briefing to give them to tell them what it is all about.