Cabinet approves action plan to combat gender-based violence

Taipei, March 6 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday approved a national action plan to combat gender-based violence, set to run from 2025 to 2027, according to the Department of Gender Equality under the Executive Yuan.

The action plan aligns with global standards such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the department said.

It also borrows from the experiences of Australia, Canada and the United States and focuses on three key areas: protecting children and youths, promoting gender inclusivity, and preventing digital and online gender-based violence, the department said.

Measures to protect children and youths will include at least four hours of gender-based violence courses to enhance body autonomy and awareness. Schools will also improve safety measures, and staff training will be strengthened to identify and address abuse, the department said.

Authorities will also support children in accessing judicial resources, and research will be carried out to explore extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault against children and youths.

The plan will also increase education and public messaging, add unisex restrooms, improve reporting mechanisms and train front-line service providers. It also aims to establish long-term shelters and enhance judicial officers' gender awareness, according to the department.

To combat online gender-based violence, the department said it will promote information literacy, tighten regulations on removing explicit content, draft new legislation and strengthen cross-border mutual legal assistance.

The department said it will routinely review the plan's effectiveness and will refine measures by drawing from global interactions and the CEDAW review mechanism.