Following calls from individuals and organisations across the UK, we are pleased the government has announced today that it will be taking the final step to enable ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

The final law to be sorted in the UK is important - as it means that rape and domestic violence will be recognised as serious crimes that can and should be prosecuted - even when they occur outside the UK. This will help end the impunity of UK citizens who commit violence abroad - and help bring justice to those who have experienced violence.

We are hugely proud of the efforts by everyone involved in campaigning - and will be keeping the pressure on as this law progresses.

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Note to editors: The CEOs and Directors of IC Change and 27 leading women’s organisations sent the following letters calling for this final piece of legislation (extra-territorial jurisdiction to be included in the Domestic Violence Bill the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and the Prime Minister Theresa May:

Letter to Home Secretary, Amber Rudd

Letter to Justice Secretary, David Lidington

Letter to Prime Minister, Theresa May