Review of Legislation on Gender-Based Violence against Women, including Killings of Women in the Caribbean (MESECVI, 2022)

This publication examines the legislative frameworks addressing gender-based violence against women in the English-speaking Caribbean States Parties to the Belém do Pará Convention, with particular attention to domestic violence, sexual violence, and killings of women, including femicide. Prepared by the Committee of Experts, the study analyzes the prevalence of violence against women in the region and reviews the extent to which national laws align with the standards established by the Belém do Pará Convention and other international human rights instruments.

The report highlights persistent structural challenges, including gaps in legislation, limited enforcement mechanisms, underreporting of violence, and the absence of specific femicide legislation in most Caribbean States. At the same time, it recognizes important progress made through domestic violence laws, sexual offenses legislation, and broader legal reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of women’s human rights.

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