Last week, the GREVIO committee visited Estonia. They checked how Estonia is implementing the Istanbul Convention. The committee praised Estonia because the country has made significant legislative changes.
GREVIO said that Estonia has a good action plan against domestic violence. This plan is updated every two years. All activities are clear and linked to the convention.
The committee also has criticism. They recommend making sexual relations consent-based. Currently, the victim must prove they said "no." A new legislative change will address this.
Another issue is the length of restraining orders. In Estonia, it is currently 12 hours, but the convention recommends at least 72 hours. 12 hours is not safe enough for victims.
Estonia plans to increase the duration of restraining orders. The new law may come into force next year. This would give victims more time to think about their next steps.
Estonia has been working on the consent law for nearly 10 years. Germany adopted it faster because they have been combating violence against women since the 1970s.
Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta says the Istanbul Convention is important for international cooperation. For example, cyberbullying and forced marriages are international issues.
Estonia signed the convention in 2014 and ratified it in 2017. The Riigikogu supported it with 79 votes. EKRE was against it because they believe the convention does not help reduce violence.
President Kersti Kaljulaid said that violence against women is a societal problem. Joining the convention shows that Estonia does not tolerate violence.