Climate activists at COP30, distinguishable by their red jackets and colourful 'just transition' bingo cards, called for climate talks to deliver on an outcome that puts people first.

How to use laws and frameworks to fight violence

Local, regional global frameworks are more than just academic documents, they’re legal tools that create obligations for governments. 

When you understand how they work, you can use them to push for stronger protections, expose government failures, and demand meaningful action on violence against women and girls. 

This page breaks down the practical steps activists can take to leverage these agreements, turn rights on paper into real change, and strengthen advocacy grounded in international law.

Useful tools and frameworks:

How to use laws and frameworks

Know what your government has ratified 

Look up which treaties your country has signed and ratified. This tells you what they're legally bound to do. Most countries publish this information on government websites or through the UN treaty database. Write to your MP.  

Quote the laws in advocacy

When writing to politicians, organising campaigns, or speaking to media, cite specific articles from conventions your government has ratified. This adds legal weight to your arguments. 

Participate in monitoring mechanisms

Many treaties require regular government reporting (e.g., CEDAW every 4 years). Women's organisations can submit alternative 'shadow reports' highlighting failures. Contact local women's rights groups to get involved. 

Support strategic litigation

When domestic courts fail, international mechanisms allow individuals to bring cases against governments. Organisations like Equality Now, IWRAW Asia Pacific, and regional human rights bodies can provide guidance. 

Push for yet non-ratified treaties

If your country hasn't ratified key instruments (like the Istanbul Convention for the UK), organise campaigns demanding ratification. Use evidence from countries that have ratified to show the benefits. 

Connect regional and international standards 

Use both regional instruments (which may be stronger) and international frameworks together. For example, cite both CEDAW and the Belém do Pará Convention if you're in Latin America. 

Join movements

Women's rights organisations use these frameworks daily, and they know how to leverage these tools. Connect with them. Support ActionAid’s work to make sure that this essential work on women and girls’ rights can continue.  

Reporting digital violence

If you experience digital violence: 

  • Report to the platform (X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) 

  • Report to police, digital violence is a real crime with real consequences 

  • Take screenshots as evidence before content is deleted 

  • Contact the Revenge Porn Helpline: 0345 6000 459 (run by South-West Grid for Learning) 

  • Get support from Glitch (addressing online abuse): glitchcharity.co.uk 

For advice and support, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Refuge 

Governments don't act because it's right. They act when the political cost of inaction becomes too high. 

These frameworks, from global conventions to regional treaties, are your tools to raise that cost. Every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence. Not as an aspiration. As a right. 

 

Additional Resources

Read reports on gender-based violence

Check out the UN Treaty Database

Peruse the CEDAW Database

Find out the nearest shelter through Global Network of Women's Shelters

Find out about the Equality Now campaign

Join the 16 Days campaign

     Climate activists at COP30, distinguishable by their red jackets and colourful 'just transition' bingo cards, called for climate talks to deliver on an outcome that puts people first. Agê​ncia ​Colabora ​/​ ​ActionAid 

    Page updated 25 November 2025