Europe: Right to be free from rape – overview of legislation and state of play in Europe and international human rights standards

Sexual violence is widespread and systemic worldwide. This regional overview provides an insight into legislation on rape throughout the European Economic Area (encompassing 28 European Union Member States, as well as Iceland and Norway) and Switzerland, available comparative information on attrition rates, broad preliminary findings regarding practical barriers in accessing justice for rape, as well as information on anticipated national developments, where available. It also presents relevant international and regional human rights standards on sexual and other gender-based violence.

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