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

Statement by Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio

"Violence against women is cruel, demeaning and destructive. It violates the victims’ integrity and human dignity. It is a crime against the body and a crime against the mind. It is simply a violation of human rights to which we cannot turn a blind eye.

It is the responsibility of our 47 member states to have a policy of zero tolerance in this respect. The finalisation in 2010 of a Council of Europe Convention preventing violence against women, protecting victims and punishing perpetrators will be a major step forward towards a culture of equality and respect".