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

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WOMEN’S ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 231
and defendants, separate entrances and exits,
police escorts and staggered arrival and departure
times. 618
‣ Similarly, the Istanbul Convention requires that
States ensure that “contact between victims and
perpetrators within court and law enforcement
agency premises is avoided where possible”. 619
Use of technology to facilitate safe testimony for
victims.
‣ The CEDAW Committee has recommended that
women subject to violence should be able to give
testimony remotely or via communication
equipment when this is necessary to protect her
privacy, safety and other human rights, provided
that this is in accordance with the defendants rights
to fair trial proceedings. 620
‣ The Istanbul Convention also requires that States
enable “victims to testify, according to the rules
provided by their internal law, in the courtroom
without being present or at least without the
presence of the alleged perpetrator, notably through
the use of appropriate communication technologies,
where available”. 621
Use of closed court proceedings.
‣ The CEDAW Committee has recommended that
court proceedings, including the testimony of
women subject to violence, can be held completely
or partially in privacy, where this is necessary to
618
UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women, above
note 511, page 40.
619
Istanbul Convention, above note 509, Article 56(1)(g).
620
CEDAW General Recommendation No 33, above note 569,
paragraph 18(f).
621
Istanbul Convention, above note 509, Article 56(1)(i).