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<p>The Government signed the Istanbul Convention to signal the UK’s strong commitment
to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). As the November 2017 progress
report sets out, in most respects the UK already complies with, or goes further than
the Convention requires. We have significantly strengthened the legislative framework;
introduced new protective tools; and issued a range of guidance and support for frontline
professionals.</p><p> </p><p>We have always been clear on our commitment to ratifying
the Convention. The Domestic Abuse Bill will be another step towards meeting that
commitment by extending extraterritorial jurisdiction over offences required by the
Convention which, for England and Wales, is the final legislative step necessary for
ratification. We are consulting widely as we develop the proposals for the draft Domestic
Abuse Bill, and launched a public consultation on 8 March, International Women’s Day.
We are keen to hear from experts, including charities, service providers and legal
experts, to understand their views and ensure that the voices of domestic abuse victims
and survivors are heard.</p><p> </p><p>As the criminal law and the majority of the
areas covered by the Convention are devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland, the
Devolved Administrations are considering what legislative or other changes are necessary
for compliance with the Convention in their territories. The Government liaises regularly
with the Devolved Administrations on VAWG issues and we will continue working closely
with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to ensure we are taking
a coordinated approach on this agenda.</p><p> </p><p>We are also in ongoing discussions
with the voluntary and community sector on these issues, and in line with the requirement
of section 2 of the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence
(Ratification of Convention) Act 2017, we will set out a timetable for ratification
in due course.</p>
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