Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Courtroom safety

Last edited: January 11, 2011

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Example: The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court states that:

The Court shall take appropriate measures to protect the safety, physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of victims and witnesses. Art. 68

  • Legislation should provide that survivor waiting rooms are staffed by law enforcement personnel. 
  • Legislation should provide for judicial training which promotes an effective judicial response to threats or acts of violence in the courtroom. This can include enhanced victim protection and swift and public disposition of charges in order to promote confidence in the safety of the legal process. (See: National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women and the Violence Against Women Office, The Toolkit to End Violence Against Women p. 10.)
  • Legislation should provide that victims of sexual assault cases are notified of witness protection programs. (See: UN Handbook 3.9.4.)

Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Best Practice Manual for the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Violence Crimes in Situations of Armed Conflict: Lessons from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2008), which provides recommendations for creating an “enabling courtroom environment.” Available in English.

United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution 2005/20, Guidelines on Justice in Matters involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime; available in English.