State responsibility for eliminating violence against women 2013, para. 53
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- The expansion of power and discretion to prosecutors and judges, in addressing violence against women, is not necessarily accompanied by appropriate training on the issue or on how to effectively interpret and implement new laws. Furthermore, the investigation of cases and the sanctioning of perpetrators is underpinned by patriarchal notions linked to myths and stereotypes about women and men and their gendered roles. Prosecutors also often rely heavily on testimonies of victims and witnesses, rather than collecting the necessary evidence during the investigatory phase. This challenge is linked to the deficiencies in police investigation, in the first instance. Women victims often undergo criminal proceedings without adequate social, psychological and legal assistance and are at risk of re-victimization during these processes. While free legal aid is often available for victims, it is difficult to access, either because application forms are complicated, or due to low-income level requirements, or a lack of awareness about the availability of such assistance.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Men
- Women
- Year
- 2013
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Paragraph number
- 53
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