This article explores the concept of access to justice for women victims of violence, as well as barriers to such access, including gender stereotypes and additional vulnerabilities. It also addresses the achievements in the access to justice before international human rights bodies. It furthermore discusses the balance between ensuring the autonomy of women survivors of violence in initiating procedures for protection of their rights and the obligation of the State to ensure public prosecution of aggressors in criminal law. It emphasizes the indispensable role of civil society organizations, in particular women’s NGOs, in facilitating access to justice for women victims of violence.