Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the database

Download the database brochure (PDF)

What is the violence against women database?

The violence against women database will be a publicly accessible website that will:

• Ensure easy access to comprehensive and up-to-date information on all forms of violence against women, as well as actions undertaken to address such violence

• Encourage further collection, availability, use and dissemination of data on violence against women, as well as analysis of such data

• Increase opportunities for exchange of experiences and promising practices in addressing violence against women

• Improve tracking of trends in addressing violence against women

• Strengthen the knowledge base for effective policy responses to prevent and address violence against women

What information will the violence against women database contain?

The database will contain information on measures undertaken by States to address violence against women in the following areas:

• Legal framework

• Policies and programmes

• Institutional mechanisms

• Domestic, regional and international coordination and collaboration initiatives

• Services for women victims/survivors of violence

• Resources

• Awareness raising and capacity-building

• Research and evaluations

• Data and statistics

• Promising practices

Where will the information for the violence against women database come from?

The information contained in the violence against women database will primarily be drawn from Member State responses to the Questionnaire distributed in September 2008. Other sources of information include:

• States parties’ reports to human rights treaty bodies

• Information provided by Member States in follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women (1995); for reports of the Secretary-General; and statements made at the United Nations

• Information available through relevant United Nations entities

When will the violence against women database be launched?

The database will be launched in March 2009, during the fifty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women.  It will be expanded and updated as additional information becomes available.

How will the violence against women database be updated?

Member States are encouraged to submit all new information to the Secretariat as it becomes available.  They are encouraged to identify a focal point(s) responsible for communicating these updates to the Secretariat as they occur. Other information submitted by Member States in intergovernmental fora, will be reviewed for any relevant content.