ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Each indicator is assessed using verifiable and publicly documentable data. States are evaluated using the following indicators:

• Legal definition and recognition

• Scope and clarity of statutes

• Accessibility and procedural safety of reporting mechanisms

• Prosecution rate relative to reported cases

• Consistency of prosecution practices

• Sentencing patterns compared to statutory minimums

• Enforcement rate of protection orders

• Availability, centralisation and public accessibility of national data

• Budget allocation and execution protection services

DATA SOURCES

Assessments rely on:

• National statistical offices

• Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Interior publications

• Court administration records

• Public prosecutor annual reports

• Parliamentary reports on enforcement

• International datasets where applicable, including United Nations and OECD sources

• Peer-reviewed research where official data is incomplete

STANDARDISATION RULES

Where national reporting systems differ, indicators are normalised relative to:

• Population size

• Volume of reported cases

• Procedural structure

• Case processing timelines

Definitions are aligned to internationally recognised standards on gender-based violence to maintain cross-jurisdictional consistency. Where definitional divergence materially affects comparability, limitations are disclosed in the country assessment.

CLIMATE RISK MODIFIER

States identified as highly vulnerable to climate-related displacement, instability or resource stress are assessed for integration of gender-sensitive safeguards within legal and protection frameworks.

Failure to integrate foreseeable climate-linked gender-based violence risk may limit grade advancement.

The modifier does not replace enforcement indicators. It adjusts assessment where structural risk exposure is documented.

TREATMENT OF MISSING DATA

Transparency is treated as a component of accountability.

Where enforcement data is unavailable, fragmented or not publicly accessible, grade advancement is limited.

Absence of reliable national data prevents classification in the highest grade categories.

PUBLICATION CYCLE

The Index is published annually following the release of consolidated national enforcement data.

Interim updates may be issued where material legislative or enforcement changes significantly affect grading outcomes.

Each edition specifies data coverage year, version number and methodological adjustments.