The Istanbul Convention provides a vital framework and set of actions for addressing Violence Against Women and Girls in all its forms (including Domestic Violence, FGM, Forced Marriage, 'Honour' Based Violence, Rape and Sexual Abuse, and Stalking). Rightfully, the Convention acknowledges violence against women and girls as a violation of fundamental human rights and a major barrier to gender inequality.
During this time of mass revelation of recent and historic violence against women and girls, and while many specialist support services - particularly those for Black and minority ethnic women - are under threat, the UK should ratify the Istanbul Convention without delay.