Justice on a Shoestring:

GREVIO Warns UK Austerity Is Failing Women Facing Violence

The Council of Europe has recently evaluated how the UK implements the Istanbul Convention on violence against women. 

GREVIO stands for ‘Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence’. The 134 page report from GREVIO is a clear warning – cost-cutting in justice isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real lives.

Family and domestic violence specialist Rachel Carter has summarised the key findings from the landmark review:

• Underfunding across the board: Years of budget cuts have significantly weakened services for women affected by violence—within both the justice system and support sectors.
• Istanbul Convention neglected: Despite commitments under the Istanbul Convention, legal aid, support shelters, and specialist services have deteriorated from severe austerity.
• Justice impacts disproportionately women: Reduced legal representation, court delays, and closures disproportionately harm female victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Why it matters:

• Barriers to justice: As services collapse, fewer women are able to access legal help, report crimes, or push for prosecution.
• Rising risk of repeat harm: Without support, women remain vulnerable to further abuse.
• Growing mistrust: Erosion of services fuels distrust in the judicial system’s ability to protect victims and deliver fair outcomes.

What’s at stake & recommended actions:

• Reinvest in specialist services: Restore funding for legal aid, support shelters, advocacy programmes.
• Comply with Istanbul obligations: Update and enforce protections explicitly focused on women’s needs.
• Monitor and evaluate: Track access to justice metrics for female victims to guide policy improvements.

Read the full report here:

Speak to Rachel Carter

Rachel is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Rachel via email rachel.carter@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 396637.

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