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

Overview

Last edited: February 28, 2011

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Throughout this knowledge asset, 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 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, and 67/176 and 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.

  • Drafters should address dowry-related violence through a domestic violence framework. Thus, drafters should provide for a civil order for protection remedy, as well as criminal provisions to hold perpetrators of violence responsible for assault or domestic assault.
  • Drafters should ensure that dowry deaths are also criminalized, either as first-degree murder or as an aggravating factor in homicide sentencing schemes.
  • Drafters should ensure that illegal demands for dowry are addressed by criminal laws on extortion, as well as civil laws on recovering compensation.
  • Drafters should establish regulation over and a registration system for dowry gifts. 
  • Institute property and inheritance reform to ensure women may own, administer and inherit property on a basis equal to men.
  • Ensure that existing laws that provide equality in property and inheritance rights are enforced.
  • Promote public education campaigns to raise awareness among women of their property and inheritance rights.