The Belgian presidency and the European Parliament have forged an unprecedented agreement on the enactment of the first-ever EU law addressing violence against women and domestic violence. This groundbreaking legislation establishes fundamental guidelines pertaining to the definition of specific criminal offenses and corresponding penalties to combat this pervasive form of violence. It also delineates the rights of victims subjected to various forms of violence against women or domestic violence, ensuring their protection and access to justice.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea, Paul Van Tigchelt, affirmed the significance of this directive, stating, “For many women in Europe, sexual violence, domestic violence, street harassment, or online abuse are daily threats. We must put an end to this.” Van Tigchelt emphasized the imperative nature of collective action among member states to confront these egregious crimes through robust preventive measures and consistent punitive actions.
Echoing Van Tigchelt’s sentiments, Belgian Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Marie-Colline Leroy, hailed the directive as a monumental advancement towards safeguarding women and girls from violence across various spheres of life. She underscored the directive’s proactive stance on prevention, targeting underlying patterns of coercion and power dynamics while implementing specific measures to combat rape effectively.
Key Provisions of the New Law:
1. Criminalization of Offenses: The directive encompasses the criminalization of heinous offenses such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, cyber stalking, harassment, and incitement to violence or hatred.
2. Establishment of Common Rules: The law establishes uniform rules concerning the definition of these offenses and the imposition of penalties across all EU member states.
3. Protection of Victims: Enhanced provisions ensure easier access to justice for victims, mandating member states to provide specialized protection, support, and accessible reporting mechanisms. Additionally, aggravating circumstances such as repeated violence against women or violence against vulnerable individuals warrant stricter penalties.
4. Privacy Protection and Compensation: Victims’ privacy rights are safeguarded, limiting the admissibility of evidence relating to past sexual conduct. The directive guarantees victims the right to claim full compensation from offenders for damages resulting from violence against women or domestic violence.
5. Helplines and Support Services: Specialized support services, including rape crisis centers and national helplines, must be readily available to victims, offering comprehensive assistance, legal counseling, and access to shelters and medical care.
6. Prevention Initiatives: EU countries are mandated to undertake preventive measures, including awareness campaigns and the promotion of gender equality, to combat violence against women and domestic violence effectively.
The agreement signifies a significant stride towards fostering a safer and more equitable society, where women and girls are protected from the scourge of violence in all its forms. With a steadfast commitment to prevention, protection, and justice, the EU stands united in its resolve to eradicate gender-based violence and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals.
