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

Working with the media

Last edited: October 30, 2010

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Media professionals, including social media outlets, should be included in any implementation strategy for a new law on violence against women. In order to effectively implement laws addressing violence against women, the public must first be made aware of those laws. In addition to communicating the substance of the laws, the media can help shape public perceptions about violence against women in general and build public demand for new laws addressing violence against women. The media plays a significant role in educating and raising awareness about violence against women, but that role can have both positive and negative affects on the fight against violence. The subject matter chosen for coverage by the media, in addition to how those topics are portrayed, has a strong impact on the public’s perception regarding those issues. For example, femicide and domestic violence cases are often mischaracterized in the media. Advocates should take seriously the charge to consistently engage with and educate media professionals about the dynamics of violence against women the impact that their work has on the issue. The following resources for media professionals and activists address the issue of how to present violence against women in the media without perpetuating stereotypes or sensationalizing the subject. (See also Media sub-section in Advocacy)

Picturing a Life Free from Violence: Media and Communications Strategies to End Violence Against Women (UNIFEM)

Reporting Gender-based Violence (Inter Press Service)

Mission Possible: A Gender and Media Advocacy Toolkit (World Association for Christian Communication)

Women and Media Resources (Internews)

Take Back the Tech (Association for Progressive Communications)