The European Parliament has approved a law aimed at combating violence against women, to be implemented for the first time across the EU. The law includes provisions to criminalize female genital mutilation and forced marriage, while also broadening the definition of sexual assault to encompass all non-consensual sexual acts.
The European Parliament has approved a law aimed at combating violence against women, marking the first time such legislation will be enforced across the European Union.
During Wednesday’s plenary session of the European Parliament, the law garnered 522 votes in favor, with 27 votes against and 72 Members of Parliament abstaining.
Frances Fitzgerald, co-rapporteur of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee of the European Parliament, hailed the adoption of the legislation as “the initial stride toward making Europe the pioneer continent in ending violence against women worldwide.”
Evin İncir, co-rapporteur of the Civil Liberties Committee of the Parliament, asserted that the law signifies “a triumph for justice and equality throughout the EU.”
What does the law encompass?
The newly passed law, containing stringent penalties against violence towards women and domestic abuse, criminalizes acts such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
Expanding the definition of sexual assault, the law now encompasses all non-consensual sexual activities. Vulnerable states like intimidation, unconsciousness, intoxication, sleep, illness, physical injury, or disability are categorized as “non-consensual acts” under this legislation.
Terms such as ‘silence’ and ‘lack of resistance’, as well as an individual’s current or past relationship with the perpetrator, are prohibited from being interpreted as consent. Furthermore, the law acknowledges an individual’s right to retract consent even after initially giving it.
In accordance with the new regulations, European Union member states are mandated to enhance their reporting and evidence-gathering procedures. Additionally, efforts will be undertaken to raise public awareness regarding the criminal nature of non-consensual sexual intercourse.
Why is this significant?
European Commission data reveals that one in three women within the bloc, predominantly by intimate partners, experiences some form of violence, while 600,000 women have endured female genital mutilation. Despite these acts being outlawed in most member states, disparities exist in national laws and legal frameworks across certain countries.