In its first report on San Marino’s implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the “Istanbul Convention“), the Group of Experts (GREVIO) highlights several positive developments. These include the enactment of two laws and several decrees aimed at addressing violence against women, which introduced assistance and protection measures for victims as well as several amendments to the Criminal Code.
Efforts on preventive measures must also be underlined, such as awareness raising of violence against women in schools through a cross-curriculum approach as well as the enhancement of training of professionals who deal with victims of violence. A particular emphasis is put on law-enforcement officials and on social and healthcare professionals whose training on sexual violence results in high levels of awareness of the rights and needs of women and girls who experience sexual violence and/or rape.
Regarding support services, the report welcomes the authorities’ efforts to establish a mobile phone application for victims of violence against women and domestic violence (TECUM), especially at a time when the Covid-19 health crisis has demanded innovative tools to ensure victims’ access to information and support. In addition, the report emphasises the highly professional service for victims of sexual violence provided by the San Marino hospital, where crucial medical and forensic services are available to victims.