Legislation on violence against women: overview of key components

This article describes a global survey of legislation on violence against women (VAW). The study was conducted to determine if legislation on violence against women universally incorporates key features which enhance VAW prevention and provides integrated victim support and protection as recommended by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations (UN).

The legislation from 80 countries was scrutinised and results showed that most VAW legislation does not incorporate those elements recommended by the UN and PAHO. A graphic is provided which shows the principal sectors of society which play a part in interventions against VAW in each of the countries with VAW legislation. All of the legislation examined is listed and links to each document provided.