EU adopts first directive combatting violence against women

On Wednesday (24 April), members of the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted the EU directive on combatting violence against women, after two years of intense negotiations with member states.

“Today Parliament has taken the first steps to make Europe the first continent in the world to end violence against women”, said the co-rapporteur from the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, Irish MEP Frances Fitzgerald (EPP), in a press release.

The directive was adopted by a large majority of 522 votes, 27 against, and 72 abstentions. It aims to deal with sexist cyber harassment, genital mutilation, and forced marriages, to provide better assistance to victims. 

Fitzgerald welcomed a text that will protect “victims and prosecute perpetrators”, and thereby ensure a “holistic approach” to dealing with these “heinous crimes”.

Initially proposed by the European Commission on 8 March 2022, the directive was the subject of intense debate during negotiations between the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission – or trilogues. 

The member states wrangled over whether or not to include rape in the directive. In the end, the no-vote won out, thanks in particular to the support of France, Germany, Poland, and Hungary. 

Even though feminist NGOs regret that the rape in not included in the final compromise, they have welcomed the adoption of the directive.

“The adoption of this directive marks a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and protection of women and girls in all spheres of life, including online,” said Iliana Balabanova, President of the European Women’s Lobby, in a press release. 

“We are immensely proud of this historic achievement in our ongoing fight for equality between women and men and the eradication of violence against women and girls,” she added. 

Member States now have three years to implement the directive.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

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