Criminal justice and policy responses to gender-related killing of women and girls

Abstract

In the past few decades, the high prevalence of violence against women and the damage to victims and society have been recognized by both international and national authorities. The killing of women and violence against women in general have been addressed by an array of policies and programmes using social, public health and criminal justice responses. Criminal justice responses have included the development and enforcement of laws that prohibit all forms of violence against women, laws that eliminate discrimination against women, the implementation of relevant policies, and strengthening the capacities of institutions. Developments in the field of public policy and legislation addressing violence against women and “femicide” are discussed below.