European Union adopts first law aimed at tackling violence against women

The European Union, on Tuesday (May 7) adopted the first law to tackle violence against women, which includes action against forced marriages, female genital mutilation and online harassment but failed to settle on a common definition of rape.

What is the legislation about?

The sweeping legislation aims to protect women in the 27-nation bloc from gender-based violence, forced marriages, and female genital mutilation.

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It also criminalises cyber violence against women including online stalking, harassment, incitement to hatred or violence, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

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These crimes, in line with the new law, will be punishable by prison sentences ranging from at least one to five years, depending on the crime.

The legislation also has a provision that if the victim is a child, spouse or ex-spouse, the punishment against the perpetrator can be made more severe. The new law would also make it easier for victims of domestic abuse to report crimes.

The legislation requires countries to introduce measures to protect children. If a child reports a crime committed by someone with parental responsibility, the officials would have to take measures to make sure that the child is safe, before informing the alleged perpetrator.

‘Groundbreaking moment’

The European Parliament had already approved the rules last month and with the approval of the bloc’s 27 nations, it became a law on Tuesday. The EU states must transpose the rules into national law within three years.

“Violence against women and domestic violence is a persisting crime. This law will guarantee EU-wide that its perpetrators will be strongly sanctioned and that its victims will receive all the support they need,” said Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, Paul Van Tigchelt.

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“This is a groundbreaking moment in boosting women’s rights,” said Belgium’s Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Marie-Colline Leroy.

“Real equality can only happen when women can live without fear of being harassed, violently attacked or physically harmed. This law is an important step to make this happen.”

Countries fail to settle on definition of rape

While the countries unanimously agreed on the importance of the sweeping legislation, the inclusion of an EU-wide definition of rape had become a point of contention during the negotiations.

Countries like Italy and Greece were in favour of including such a definition, but Germany and France opposed it, saying that the EU did not have competence in the matter.

(With inputs from agencies)