How Liechtenstein prevents violence against women

The Government of the Principality sent to the Landtag the memorandum amending the rules on protection, interrogation and accompaniment of minors, witnesses and victims

At its meeting on Tuesday, 23 March 2021, the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein adopted the final motion on the Istanbul Convention.

With the green light for this international treaty, the protection of victims and witnesses in civil proceedings, the prevention and combating of domestic violence and violence against women enter the legal order of the Alpine state.

The Council of Europe Convention of 11 May 2011 (so-called “Istanbul Convention”) is the first document and the first legally binding instrument in the Old Continent with the aim of globally protecting women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence.

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The Convention responds to the fact that the vast majority of victims of stalking, sexual harassment and violence, including rape, forced marriage and sterilization, are women.

Priorities of the Convention are prevention of violence against women, protection of victims, consistent prosecution of crimes, and coordinated action.

“I am pleased that we were able to bring an important report and ad hoc motion to the attention of the Landtag. It is an important step to protect the dignity and physical integrity of women and young people,” stressed Minister Katrin Eggenberger.

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Liechtenstein signed the Istanbul Convention on November 10, 2016: the ratification takes into account the concern to promote the prevention and prosecution of violence against women and and domestic violence also within the borders of the Alpine Principality.

Furthermore, this action is in line with Liechtenstein’s foreign policy, which traditionally attaches great importance to the protection and promotion of human rights and the rights of the female gender in particular.

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Ratification thus represented a consistent continuation of this policy.

Liechtenstein promotes the rights of women worldwide in a targeted manner through active participation in international bodies and through financial support of projects.

In line with the Austrian ratification proposal, the protection of victims and witnesses amends the Code of Civil Procedure and the Law on non-contentious proceedings.

In this way, the possibility of separate hearings, the questioning of minors by experts and the secrecy of the home address of victims and witnesses as well as their accompaniment are implemented.