Members of the Riigikogu issued a statement of support for combating violence against women
57 members of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) signed a statement of support for combating violence against women, motivated by Latvia’s possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, which aims to prevent violence, protect victims, and end impunity.
“Latvia’s possible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, which was approved by the Saeima last week, has also created a response in Estonia. There are those who want Estonia to follow Latvia’s lead, and others, who consider it important to fight violence against women in every way,” Chair of the Riigikogu Women’s Association Maris Lauri said.
According to Lauri, the statement of support by the members of the Riigikogu is a confirmation to the people of Estonia that the members of the Riigikogu continue to oppose violence against women, stand for the continuation of the current policy, and do not intend to support withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention.
Through associations, the members of the Riigikogu can draw attention to a specific issue, and support or protect the interests of a narrower sphere of life. The Riigikogu Women’s Association has 12 members.
The statement was signed by Maris Lauri, Signe Riisalo, Eero Merilind, Madis Timpson, Valdo Randpere, Toomas Järveoja, Urmas Kruuse, Timo Suslov, Õnne Pillak, Helmen Kütt, Kristo Enn Vaga, Jüri Jaanson, Andre Hanimägi, Mati Raidma, Mario Kadastik, Mait Klaassen, Hanah Lahe, Yoko Alender, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Andrus Seeme, Mart Võrklaev, Katrin Kuusemäe, Margit Sutrop, Kalle Laanet, Pipi-Liis Siemann, Signe Kivi, Annely Akkermann, Lauri Läänemets, Reili Rand, Züleyxa Izmailova, Tiit Maran, Jaak Aab, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Mihkel Lees, Luisa Rõivas, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Andrei Korobeinik, Madis Kallas, Irja Lutsar, Diana Ingerainen, Toomas Uibo, Tarmo Tamm, Peeter Tali, Raul-Stig Rästa, Liina Kersna, Tanel Kiik, Toomas Kivimägi, Anti Allas, Riina Solman, Ando Kiviberg, Riina Sikkut, Anti Haugas, Kalev Stoicescu, Vilja Toomast, Kadri Tali, Lauri Hussar and Marko Mihkelson.
Text of the statement:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia protects everyone’s right to free self-realisation, which must not be suppressed by violence. Estonia has taken a strong stance on preventing all forms of violence and combating violence, and will continue to do so.
Estonia has adopted several legislative amendments that protect women from violence. Our country joined the Istanbul Convention in 2017 and established a cross-sectoral prevention council led by six ministers to ensure prevention, protection, and support in all areas.
Systematic work has changed society. According to a study by the Social Insurance Board (2024), only 10% of people in Estonia consider intimate partner violence a private family matter in which others should not interfere. In short, our society understands that violence against another person is a crime and a violation of human rights.
The Istanbul Convention is not a slogan-like ideological document. It provides a framework for countries and societies to prevent violence, protect victims, and ensure justice. The Convention provides social workers, victim support workers, and women’s shelters specialists with the tools they need to stop violence before violence destroys lives.
The undersigned members of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia wish to give the population a sense of security by confirming that the state will not back down or deviate from its current course. Prevention, assistance to victims, punishment of violent individuals, and the provision of counselling will always be priorities for the Republic of Estonia. Cooperation in combating violence against women will continue in all state institutions and non-governmental organizations.
In Estonia, it is impossible to turn a blind eye to violence against women and domestic violence. A relationship survey conducted by Statistics Estonia (2023) showed that nearly 41% of women have experienced violence in a partnership relations at least once in their lives. 39% of women have experienced psychological violence, 13% physical violence (including threats), and 9% sexual violence. Young women aged 18–29 have experienced violence more than average, while women aged 65–74 have experienced it less.
746 sexual offences were registered in Estonia in 2024. In 95% of cases, the victim was a woman.
A survey conducted by the Social Insurance Board (2024) shows a change in awareness. It found that 80% of respondents consider controlling behaviour by a partner, such as prohibiting communication with friends or restricting financial decisions, to be intimate partner violence. Furthermore, the majority of respondents think that both physical and sexual abuse are serious problems that must be prevented by all means. There is a widespread belief that family relationships must conform to the values, norms, and customs prevailing in society. Otherwise, it is a social problem that must be addressed.
Where can you find help?
- Crisis helpline 116 006 offers crisis counselling round the clock.
- Emotional support and pastoral care helpline 116 123 counsellors offer emotional support in Estonian, Russian and English.
- Victim support website www.palunabi.ee of the Social Insurance Board also gives advice via text chat.
- Call the violence prevention helpline at 660 6077 to arrange a meeting with a counsellor.
- The contact details of sexual violence crisis support centres can be found at https://www.palunabi.ee/en/sexual-violence-crisis-support-centers.
- The contact details of regional victim support officers can be found at https://sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee/ohvriabi#kontakt.
- Information about women’s support centres is available at https://www.palunabi.ee/en/womens-support-centres.
- If your life and health are in danger, call 112.
For more information, please contact
Maris Lauri
Chair of Riigikogu Women’s Association
+372 631 6595
[email protected]
