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

188 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
The plain language of Article 2 makes clear that States must
act to make changes in laws where definitions of crimes or
criminal procedural law discriminate or serve to facilitate
discrimination against women. However, legislative change is
not enough. Women are more likely to come forward with
reports and pursue justice through the criminal justice system
if they are safe, able to access healthcare services for the
mental and physical injuries they have sustained, and secure in
their confidence that they will be treated with dignity and
respect and will not be subjected to secondary victimization by
officials in the criminal justice system.
Therefore, the services outlined in the previous chapter are a
vital first step and foundation for effective criminal justice to
ensure the rule of law. Ensuring that police, prosecutors and
judges give a professional and effective service to women –
and do not subject them to further violence, negligence and
contempt – relies on the delivery of comprehensive and regular
training of these State officials, benchmarked against practice
to ensure that the training is effective.
Understanding trauma of women subjected to violence,
providing a professional service
According to the European Agency for Fundamental Rights:
“Police officers and other authorities who intervene in cases of
intimate partner violence against women need to understand
the impact that living in a violent relationship has on the
mindset and mental status of victims. For example, a victim
may refuse intervention by the police or support services. Lack
of understanding of these situations can add to a victim’s
trauma instead of supporting the victim to overcome the
consequences of victimisation. It is suggested that EU Member
States ensure that police officers and others – ranging from
lawyers and judges to victim support services – are trained to
understand the consequences of partner violence, and