By John Ikani
European Union nations have approved the bloc’s first-ever law specifically targeting violence against women.
The landmark legislation aims to safeguard women across the EU from gender-based violence, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and cyberbullying, including online stalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The law also streamlines the reporting process for victims of domestic violence, with these crimes now punishable by up to five years in prison under a newly established framework.
Penalties can be harsher for offenses committed against children, spouses, ex-spouses, politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders.
However, a sticking point in negotiations was the inability to establish a common definition of rape across all member states.
European leaders hail the law as groundbreaking. “Violence against women, including domestic violence, remains a persistent issue,” said Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Paul Van Tigchelt.
“This law ensures that perpetrators will face strong sanctions across the EU, while guaranteeing victims receive all necessary support.”
The European Parliament had greenlit the legislation in April, and Tuesday’s approval by member states marks the final hurdle before it becomes law. EU countries now have three years to incorporate the rules into their national legal systems.
“This is a pivotal moment for advancing women’s rights,” declared Marie-Colline Leroy, Belgium’s Secretary of State for Gender Equality.
“True equality can only be achieved when women are free from the fear of harassment, violent attacks, or physical harm. This law represents a significant step towards that goal.”
No Consensus on Rape Definition
Despite unanimous agreement on the law’s necessity, the directive’s text lacks a common definition of rape, a point of contention throughout negotiations.
While countries like Italy and Greece advocated for such a definition, Germany and France maintained the EU lacked authority on the matter.
Spanish Equality Minister Ana Redondo, speaking before a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, expressed a wish for “slightly more ambitious” legislation. However, she acknowledged the law as a “positive starting point.”
