This report is a guide to states’ obligation to make rights a reality – to implement their obligations under treaties and customary international law to respect,protect and fulfil human rights in law and practice. It is also a guide to international law as it relates to violence against women. It is an analysis of the various definitions of women’s right not to suffer violence, and the definitions of criminal acts which involve violence against women. It also gives an analysis of states’ legal duty to take action to address violence against women.