[The affirmation of a resolution of the European Centre of the International Council of Women.]

The following Resolution on domestic violence, addressed to the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of Europe and national governments, agreed by representatives of European National Councils of Women at the General Assembly of ECICW in Monaco on 27 April 2007 is affirmed by the National Council of Women of Great Britain. The member countries of the European Centre of the International Council of Women (ECICW/CECIF). a pan-European umbrella organisation working within the framework of the International Council of Women and of the European Women’s Lobby, and with participative status at the Council of Europe, examined the issues relating to the increase in domestic violence across Europe at a seminar in Monaco on 2 April 2007. The Seminar, together with the General Assembly of ECICW/CECIF on 27 April 2007, expressed concern that more action should be taken by Governments.  Being aware that domestic violence occurs across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography, and recognising that the culture of violence within families can create continuing problems for the future, being aware, too, that domestic violence represents a serious violation of civil liberties and of human rights of women contrary to the CEDAW Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, urges the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and national and local governments to take action:  

(a) to define domestic violence throughout Europe as a criminal act; 

(b) to undertake initiatives to raise awareness that violence against women damages peace, democracy and economic development in society;  

(c) to introduce a policy of zero tolerance against this crime; 

(d) to implement national and local plans to combat domestic violence, including appropriate training of police, magistrates, doctors, teachers and other professionals involved; 

(e) to provide safe houses, appropriate medical and psychological services and financial support for victims; and 

(f) to introduce mediation services with rehabilitation therapy for habitual offenders.