25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Domestic violence against women is a rising phenomenon that knows no geographical boundary, age limit or colour bar, and affects every type of family relationship and social class. Statistics show that 12% to 15% of women in Europe face violence in the home every day. It is one of the most widespread violations of human rights worldwide and must be combated.

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violencealso known as the Istanbul Convention, is the most far-reaching international treaty to tackle this serious violation of human rights. It aims at zero tolerance for such violence and is a major step forward in making Europe and beyond a safer place.

The European Convention on Human Rights forbids violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual violence. See some examples of how the ECHR is working to protect women’s rights.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated on 25 November since 1999. You can mark this day by enrolling in one of the related Council of Europe HELP online courses!In between now and the International Human Rights Day on 10 December, UN proposes 16 days of activism, just enough time to complete a HELP online course. All are available in several languages, range from 6 to 12 hours, are free of access, self-paced and you can generate your electronic Statement of Accomplishment upon successful completion. Post it up on your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn account by using #coehelp. Click on the links below to start your course. 

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence – Brief – Video – Duration: 12 hours
Languages: eng | fra | ara | aze | bos | bul | ell | hrv | hye | ita | kat | lit | mkd | mne pol por | ron rus | slo | spa | sqi | srp | svk | tur | ukr

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence for Law Enforcement – Brief – Duration: 6 hours
Languages: eng | ara

Access to Justice for Women
 – Brief – Duration: 10 hours
Languages: eng | fra | aze | bos | ell | hye | kat | mkd | ron | rus | tur | ukr