On 29th September 2020, representatives of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia met with two representatives of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), who were visiting Slovenia to acquire information regarding the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention).

While commending positive developments concerning legislation, policies and measures to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, the Ombudsman observes several issues where improvements would be  is warranted to reach compliance with the requirements of the Istanbul convention.

The Centre for Human Rights - the Ombudsman’s organizational unit established in 2019 – submitted to GREVIO a written contribution for its consideration of the baseline report of Slovenia.

The submission concentrates on the following topics:
-    COVID-19 and violence against women
-    Rape and sexual violence – legislation and lack of special crisis referral centres for victims
-    Access to state compensation
-    Victim support in proceedings
-    Training of professionals
-    Research and population-based surveys

The written submission of HRO Slovenia to GREVIO about Istanbul Convention