The European Parliament adopted the first rules on violence against women and domestic violence. What exactly do they provide?
The European Parliament adopted rules on violence against women
The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday, with 522 votes in favor, 27 against and 72 abstentions, the first European rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The directive calls for stronger laws against cyber-violence, better support for victims and measures to prevent rape, it said in a statement.
The new rules ban female genital mutilation and forced marriage and draw special guidelines for online crimes such as leaking private information and cyberflashing.
The new legislation will include a longer list of aggravating circumstances for crimes that carry more severe penalties, such as crimes against public figures, journalists or human rights defenders.
The list also includes the intention to punish victims on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, skin colour, religion, social origin or political beliefs, as well as the desire to maintain or restore “honour”.
The safety and well-being of victims should be a priority, including through access to sheltered housing. Health care should be accessible, including sexual and reproductive health services. Member State authorities will have increased reporting and evidence-gathering obligations and will need to raise public awareness that sex without consent is a criminal offence.
The rules could be reviewed every five years
Due to the insistence of the European Parliament, the European Commission will report every five years whether the rules should be revised.
Co-Rapporteur from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Frances Fitzgerald (EPP, Ireland) said that the European Parliament “has taken the first steps to make Europe the first continent in the world to end violence against women”.
She pointed out that it is a far-reaching piece of legislation that will prevent violence against women, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators, thus ensuring a holistic approach to combating these heinous crimes.
“There can be no equality without the eradication of violence against women; we must ensure that there can be no impunity for those who commit such crimes,” said Frances Fitzgerald.
Also, the co-rapporteur of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Evin Incir (S&D, SV) said that this revolutionary directive “embodies our unwavering commitment to strengthen women’s rights and save lives”.
For her part, Evin Incir considers it a historic first step in strengthening women’s rights and in “illuminating the path to a future where every woman can live without fear and oppression.”
“This is a victory for justice and equality across the European Union,” said Evin Incir.
