Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

V
WOMEN’S ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 165
services should not be dependent on the victim reporting the
violence to the police. 442
The right to the highest attainable standard of health includes a
requirement to address gender-based violence and to ensure a
holistic approach to health for women. The Committee on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has noted that, in order to
eliminate discrimination against women, it is necessary for
States to implement comprehensive strategies to promote
women’s right to health throughout all stages of their life.
These strategies should include:
Preventing and treating diseases affecting women;
Providing access, and/or where required removing
barriers, to a full range of affordable and quality
healthcare, including sexual and reproductive services;
Educating and providing information about a full range
of healthcare, including sexual and reproductive
services; and
Reducing women’s health risks, including lowering
maternal morbidity rates and protecting women from
gender-based violence. 443
health protection which provides equality of opportunity for people to
enjoy the highest attainable level of health”.
442
Updated Model Strategies and Practical Measures, above note 380,
paragraph 15(i): “Member States are urged to review, evaluate and
update their criminal procedures, as appropriate and taking into
account all relevant international legal instruments, in order to ensure
that… [inter alia] (i) [c]omprehensive services are provided and
protection measures are taken when necessary to ensure the safety,
privacy and dignity of victims and their families at all stages of the
criminal justice process, without prejudice to the victim’s ability or
willingness to participate in an investigation or prosecution, and to
protect them from intimidation and retaliation, including by
establishing comprehensive witness and victim protection
programmes.” See also Istanbul Convention, above note 378, Article
18(4).
443
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, General
Comment No 14, above note 440, paragraphs 20 and 21.