Security forces are first in line for the reception and referral of women victims of violence, and they play a crucial role in the collection of their testimonies. However, many female victims are confronted with their refusal to take into account complaints, the banalisation of the violence they suffered, sometimes even a disqualification of some acts endured, as well as an insufficient follow-up of the measures for the protection of victims.

Strengthening capacities of security forces regarding efficient care of the victims, whilst ensuring a chain of accountability, is a major necessity in any effective process of combating violence against women.

An intersectoral approach and coordination are also needed at the level of security forces and agents involved in the care of women victims of violence. It is on this aspect that the last meeting of the intersectoral group for the care of women victims of violence, held on 19 March in Ben Arous, concentrated his work. Participants analysed the challenges faced by the security sector in the implementation of Organic Law n°2017-58 on the elimination of violence against women, as well as, through the examination of case studies and national and international experiences, they suggested concrete recommendations namely on the coordination between stakeholders and on investigation methods

A follow-up of these recommendations will be proposed, particularly in the framework of the conference on the challenges of the implementation of the Tunisian Organic Law n°2017-58 which will be held on 28-29 March 2019.

The South Programme III is a joint programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.