The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance for professionals working in both governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offering comprehensive care for women who use drugs and experience gender-based violence (GBV). The guide is also intended for use by organisations involved in harm reduction, HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and by those that undertake to address and respond to gender-based violence against women. It also provides useful information for planning group-specific events and services aimed at reducing gender-based violence against women within the framework of national and international programmes. 

The present guide draws on the key principles and approaches of existing international documents, such as The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)2 and the Essential Services Package for Women and Girls Subject to Violence (UN Women, UNFPA, WHO, UNDP and UNODC)3. Gender-based violence refers to domestic violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence and structural violence.