UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence Against Women

The Handbook for Legislation on Violence Against Women aims to guide stakeholders in the adoption and implementation of legislation to prevent violence against women. The Handbook sets out the international and regional legal and policy frameworks governing the enactments and implementation of laws to address violence against women. It further provides a model framework for legislation on violence against women. The framework includes provisions on prevention, protection, support and assistance to complainants/survivors, rights of immigrant women, investigation, legal proceedings, protection orders, sentencing, and civil lawsuits. It likewise provides a checklist of considerations that one must bear in mind when drafting legislation on violence against women, underscoring that it is critical to identify a clear legislative goal, undertake consultations with stakeholders comprehensively and inclusively, and draft legislation using an evidence-based approach. It is intended for the use of government officials, parliamentarians, civil society, staff of United Nations entities and other actors.