Ending violence against women and girls

Despite many positive and significant achievements in policies and practices, violence against women remains widespread at all levels of society in all countries of the world.

The Norwegian Government’s view is clear: Violence against women and domestic violence is unacceptable and punishable. It is not a private matter but should be dealt with by Governments. It must be prevented, combated and alleviated through measures to help and protect the victims – and through treatment and prosecution of the perpetrators.

To underline our intentions in this field Norway ratified the Istanbul Convention  in 2017.

The first national cross sectoral action plan to fight violence against women was launched in 2000. Early this summer the Norwegian Government decided to develop a sixth plan of action to combat domestic violence, including a specific part on violence and abuse in Sami communities. Research shows that violence is more widespread in Sami communities, and we need to address this.  

Key issues in the plan will be continuing the development and implementation of effective preventive and protective measures, treatment and prosecution of perpetrators, cooperation and coordination of services – including cooperation with civil society.

And last but not least: We will build our policies on expertise, knowledge and research.

Finally; I would like to underline the importance of international sharing of experiences and co-operation in this field. Some of the existing Norwegian measures to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, have been inspired by actions taken in other countries. And likewise Norwegian inventions are being adopted and adjusted to other countries.