Continuum of violence against women from the home to the transnational sphere: the challenges of effective redress 2011, para. 62
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The testimonies compiled by the Special Rapporteur from victims of domestic violence who attempted to access the legal system show that, unless violence results in serious physical injuries, the police, prosecutors and judges still tend to minimize offences in the belief that domestic violence is a private matter. As such, they discourage victims from pursuing cases and promote conciliation, thus returning victims to situations of abuse. Cases of domestic violence are often treated as administrative rather than criminal offences, or are classified as misdemeanours, resulting in reduced or inappropriate sentences.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences