Contributor(s): Louise de Sousa, Elda Moreno, Pragna Patel | The Istanbul Convention is the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. It is the first legally binding instrument in Europe and in terms of scope the most advanced treaty in the world creating a comprehensive legal framework to prevent violence, to protect victims and to end the impunity of perpetrators. It defines and criminalises various forms of violence against women (including forced marriage, female genital mutilation, stalking, physical and psychological violence and sexual violence). It also foresees the establishment of an international group of independent experts to monitor its implementation at national level. Louise de Sousa is Head of Human Rights and Democracy Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Elda Moreno is Head of Gender Equality and Human Dignity Department and Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Council of Europe. Pragna Patel is the founding member of Southall Black Sisters.