Italy became the fifth country Wednesday to ratify the Istanbul Convention, which aims to curb violence against women, UPI reported. The Senate held a moment of silence in memory of victims of violence before the vote, the Italian news agency ANSA said. The treaty must be ratified by at least 10 countries including eight members of the European Council before it takes effect. So far, it has been approved by one EU member, Portugal, two countries seeking EU membership, Turkey and Albania, and one, Montenegro, that might apply for membership. Advocates say violence against women is a major problem in Italy, with 70 percent of the female homicide victims from 2000 to 2011 dying at the hands of a partner, former partner or husband. House Speaker Laura Boldrini said last year after she was elected to the position she became the target of an Internet campaign of harassment, including threats and doctored photographs.
