Ensure that the Goal of the Legislation Is Well-DefinedConsult with Key StakeholdersEnsure that the Legislation is based on Reliable Evidence
Legislation should be based on specific guiding principlesLegislation should contain specific implementation mechanismsProvide safety, aid, and empowerment for survivors through criminal and civil provisions which include a broad range of remedies and reparationsTools and Resources
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 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, 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.
Protection order remediesEmergency or ex parte order for protection remedyContents of emergency or ex parte orders for protectionPost-hearing protection order remedyContent of post-hearing orders for protectionWarning provisionsTime limits on protection ordersOther key provisions in legislation on post-hearing protection ordersChild custody provisions in protection orders
Definition of sexual assault and other elementsAggravating circumstancesSexual assault of minorsSexual assault of vulnerable populationsSexual assault in universities or institutions of higher educationSexual assault within an intimate partner or marital relationshipCapacity to commit sexual assault and other factorsConsentEvidenceSentencingOther ProvisionsRoles and responsibilities of policeRoles and responsibilities of prosecutorsTreatment or diversion programs for perpetrators and offender registration