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

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WOMEN’S ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 241
may contribute to the normalization of sentences imposed in
cases of violence against women.” 649
The UN General Assembly has called on all States to adopt
appropriate sentencing guidelines for crimes of violence against
women to ensure that sanctions are commensurate with the
severity of the crime. It has urged States to ensure sentencing
policies and procedures relating to gender-based violence:
Hold offenders accountable for their acts;
Denounce and deter violence;
Stop violent behaviour;
Promote victim and community safety;
Consider impact on victims and their family members;
Provide sanctions that ensure sentencing of perpetrators
in a manner proportionate to the severity of the offence;
Provide reparations for harm caused; and
Promote the rehabilitation of the perpetrator. 650
Removal or discriminatory exceptions and reductions of
sentences based on social “value” of women subject to
violence
As outlined in the section above on defences, certain practices
discriminate against women subject to violence due to the
woman’s perceived “value” – that is, perceptions of her
chastity. This includes absolving the perpetrator if he “restores”
chastity by marrying the victim. It also includes imposing
lighter sentences on perpetrators if a woman had little or no
“value” as understood in relation to perceptions of her sexual
experience.
The UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women
suggests that States’ legislation should remove any provisions
that:
649
UN Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women, above
note 511, pages 50-51.
650
Updated Model Strategies and Practical Measures, above note 559,
paragraph 17.