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

Forced suicides

Last edited: February 26, 2011

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Drafters should punish incitement to commit suicide or inflict self-harm. Legislation should provide for an investigation of every female suicide case that includes a medical autopsy by a specialized forensic institute as a standard procedure. Drafters should enact legislation that aims to:

  • identify and prosecute cases of forced suicide and murders disguised as suicides;
  • ensure due diligence in the investigation of suicides, accidents and violent deaths of women and girls. Legislation should mandate a comprehensive autopsy carried out by competent forensic authorities for all such cases;
  • direct authorities to conduct a psychological autopsy to determine the deceased’s mental state at the time of death where a suicide may have been involuntary or motivated by “honour.” Psychological autopsies should be carried out by trained professionals to determine the presence of third party influence in the deceased’s decision to commit suicide and whether “honour” was a motivating factor in the death. Such autopsies should include interviews with relatives, friends and other professionals in close contact with the deceased; and
  • regulate commonly used lethal means of suicide, such as highly dangerous substances and firearms.

(See: Implementation of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 Entitled “Human Rights Council,” Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk, Addendum, Mission to Turkey, 2007)

Example: Tajikistan punishes driving to suicide. (Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan provides :

(1) Driving an individual to suicide or attempt upon suicide by threat, cruel treatment, or systematic degrading the dignity of a victim is punishable by imprisonment for a period of 3 to 5 years.

(2) The same actions committed in regard to a person, who was in financial or other dependence of the guilty person, or committed in regard to a minor is punishable by imprisonment for a period of 5 to 8 years.

  • Legislation should provide for hotlines and crisis centers to provide immediate help for persons at-risk of suicide. Drafters should consult with civil society and other specialized organizations, such as the World Health Organization, in developing suicide prevention policies.

(See: Implementation of General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006 Entitled “Human Rights Council,” Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk, Addendum, Mission to Turkey, 2007)