Principles

EWL and the EWL Centre on Violence against Women Charter of Principles on Violence Against Women

The work of the EWL Centre on Violence against Women and the European Observatory is based on a set of principles which are shared by the EWL Observatory experts and adopted by the EWL:

1. Feminist perspective

By adopting a feminist perspective, we affirm that violence against women is a structural phenomenon, the cause of which is a direct result of gender inequality. We adopt the definition of violence against women as stipulated in the Beijing Platform for Action and endorse the statement that " Violence against women is a manifestation of the historically unequal power relations between men an women which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of women’s full advancement. ” (paragraph 118).

The persistence and tolerance of all forms of male violence against women is a fundamental obstacle to the achievement of full equality between women and men in all areas of life.

2. Women’s Rights are Human Rights

EPAC VAW and the EWL believe in the fundamental principle of respect for human rights. All forms of violence against women and girls in the private and public sphere, by state and non-state actors must be understood and addressed as basic violations of human rights.

3. The autonomy and the empowerment of women

All interventions in the area of violence against women should aim at achieving autonomy and empowerment for all women.

4. Prostitution and Trafficking in women

Prostitution and trafficking in women constitute a fundamental violation of women’s human rights. Prostitution and trafficking in women should not be associated with the terms “forced” or “free”. “Free choice” is a relative factor, situated at the intersection of economic, social, cultural and political options of women in a given society. Inequality severely restricts freedom of choice.

5. Recognition of diversity

There is a need to recognise diversity amongst women when dealing with issues of violence against women. Different life situation can mean that violence affects women in different ways, and support strategies must be adapted accordingly, in order to ensure the inclusion of women marginalised because of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, belief or religion.

EWL motions on violence against women

In 1998, the European Women’s Lobby issued it motion on ’Prostitution and Trafficking’, which strengthens the fourth principle on violence against women. In 2001, the EWL delivered a second motion ’Make it a crime to buy women in prostitution and develop strong policies against pimping’. You can read download these two motions below.