European Parliament Passes Directive Targeting Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Abuse

The European Parliament in Strasbourg has passed a new law aimed at combating violence against women and domestic violence. The directive, which was approved with 522 votes in favor, 27 against, and 72 abstentions, seeks to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.

Under the new legislation, female genital mutilation and forced marriage are prohibited, and guidelines are established for offenses committed online, such as the disclosure of private information and cyberflashing. The law also includes a longer list of aggravating circumstances for offenses that carry more severe penalties, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims, including access to healthcare and sheltered accommodation.

Member states will have enhanced reporting and evidence gathering obligations, and will be required to raise public awareness that non-consensual sex constitutes a criminal offense. The new rules will come into force twenty days after their publication in the EU Official Journal, and member states have three years to implement the provisions.

Why this matters: The passage of this law constitutes a major advancement in the fight against gender-based violence and domestic abuse in the European Union. It establishes a comprehensive framework for preventing violence, protecting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable, while also addressing the growing issue of online offenses.

However, the law faced opposition from Italy's Democratic Party and Five Star Movement, who voted against it, citing the lack of a specific crime of rape. The legislation calls for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape, but stops short of defining rape as a distinct criminal offense.

EU Fights Domestic Abuse: Despite this opposition, the European Parliament has taken a clear stance in combating violence against women and domestic abuse. The new directive will require member states to improve their reporting and evidence-collection procedures, increase public awareness, and provide better support for victims. As Evelyn Regner, Chair of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, stated, "Violence against women is a crime. It must be treated as such, with the perpetrators prosecuted and the victims protected."

Key Takeaways

• EU Parliament passed law to combat violence against women and domestic abuse.
• Prohibits female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and online offenses like cyberflashing.
• Requires member states to improve reporting, evidence-gathering, and victim support.
• Law faced opposition for not defining rape as a distinct criminal offense.
• Marks a major advancement in the EU's fight against gender-based violence.