"An international or European treaty" i.e. a legal agreement between the States, "is essential to protect women from abuse" as a preventative measure: this is the belief of Thomas Hammarberg, Human Rights Commissioner, in the magazine "Point of view", published on the website of the Council of Europe. In his opinion, "domestic abuse is a problem in all countries", while in many states it is denied even by the political leaders. "Despite the many conferences and statements adds Hammarberg , many women are beaten every day at home. It will take time, of course, for this very bad habit to disappear completely, but this is just why we must work harder from now on" all over Europe, "within the national authorities and the local communities". The Commissioner said that in the last few days he visited some shelters for victims of domestic abuse, in Cork (Ireland), Vlora (Albania) and Graz (Austria), and says the guests told him they were very happy about them: the care they received there have been a "turning point in their lives".
