Regional Law and Standards
last updated February 8, 2013
 
Regional law and policy on domestic violence has been developed in many parts of the world through regional organizations such as the Council of Europe, the European Union , and the Organization of American States. Notably, both the Council of Europe and the Organization of American States have created treaties on the topic of violence against women that are legally binding on State parties. The creation of these treaties, along with supplemental activities by the regional organizations such as reports and resolutions, has strengthened protection from domestic violence in these regions. Nevertheless, problems still exist as countries attempt to implement the treaties and the regional bodies work to enforce the protections they have created.