While domestic violence is widespread around the world and this region is no exception,
significant strides have been made to reduce tolerance for domestic violence and increase
assistance and support for victims. In the past few decades there has been an increased
awareness about domestic violence, improved research documenting domestic violence,
recognition of domestic violence as a violation of victims rights to which governments are
required to respond, improved legislation and an increase in services for victims around the
world (UNFEM 2003: 11). While this has not yet resulted in an end to such violence it does
demonstrate that with concerted efforts we can make a difference. With adequate funding and
targeted programming, there is reason to believe that the prevalence of domestic violence in the
Europe and Eurasia region can be significantly reduced and communities can ensure that action
is taken to address cases of domestic violence, providing appropriate support to victims and
taking action against perpetrators.