The Latvian parliament, Saeima, has instructed the drafting of a new anti-violence law in response to opposition against the Istanbul Convention, which aims to address violence against women and domestic violence. This move came as the majority in parliament sought to withdraw from the Convention, although a complete exit was not achieved, resulting in the adoption of a declaration instead. The declaration aims to provide a framework for tackling violence by asserting the need for legislative action on domestic violence issues.

The Ministry of Welfare, alongside other ministries, has assessed the existing legal framework and determined that Latvia already possesses a comprehensive national and international legal basis for preventing violence, protecting victims, providing support services, and punishing perpetrators. The report highlighted that the main challenge lies not in a lack of regulations but rather in the effective implementation of existing laws and improving inter-agency collaboration. As part of this effort, new support mechanisms are being planned, which include an interdisciplinary risk assessment model and unified support centers for victims of sexual violence.

Developing a comprehensive new law would require a significant review of existing norms, which could extend discussions and complicate the legal landscape. The prioritization of effective execution over merely creating new legislation indicates a shift in focus towards better resources and strategies for existing laws, aiming to enhance the response to domestic violence in Latvia. This approach raises important questions about how to balance legislative change with practical enforcement in an area where existing measures have not fully met their intended outcomes.