Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/14963/16865/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Benefits of coordinated community response

Last edited: October 30, 2010

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The benefits of coordination are many, but the primary benefit should be increased victim safety. Other benefits may include:

  • More effective use of limited financial resources;
  • Coherent, integrated, long-term policy directions;
  • Better knowledge transfer across sectors;
  • Linked trainings to enhance inter-disciplinary coordination; and
  • Greater attention to neglected and under-resourced issues through community response.

(See: What a Waste: The Case for an Integrated Violence Against Women Strategy, Ch. 9, Women’s National Commission)

CASE STUDY – Hennepin County, USA

In the US state of Minnesota, the county that is home to the state’s largest city made a decision to create a one-stop center where women could access a variety of critical services in one location. The Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) is designed to specifically implement the provisions of the state’s domestic abuse legislation. Under Minnesota Statute Ch. 518B, victims of domestic violence may ask for an Order for Protection from the Family Court. A victim is not required to report the violence to the police before asking for an Order for Protection and there is no fee to file the request. At the DASC woman can get help from staff who will educate them about their rights, help them fill out forms, and assist them with filing their request for a protective order. In the same location, women can also meet with a prosecutor, with a probation officer, and with trained staff who can assist them with information about eligibility for support, including cash, health care, food support and other emergency assistance. Staff at DASC can also refer women to local NGOs who can provide them with more tailored support.