The first European rule on combating violence against women.

Translated by Irene Cecchi

A few weeks ago, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rule on combating the violence against women and domestic violence. It should become effective in the short term and member states will have three years time to include these new rules in their national legislation.

Every member state of the organization, in fact, is obliged to incorporate the new directives in its own set of laws; a directive sets the final objective while the means and strategies to achieve it are a prerogative of every country (art. 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).

Finally, we might say. Better late than never, of course. Now that nothing can be taken for granted, this is an important turning point. Finally in Europe what was supposed to be clear long before now, it is put pen to paper. What makes this victory bitter are the 27 contrary votes and the 72 abstensions. How is it possible to be against a directive that aims to punish a fundamental right violation? When it comes to human rights everyone should join the same path, regardless of each political affiliation.

The point n.9 of the directive delves into the details and enumerates every criminal conduct of violence against women or domestic violence that will be punished. In particular, this guideline punishes female genital mutilations, forced marriages, set guidelines to hinder and condemn online crimes such as personal information disclosure, personal videos and photos. In this list there can be also all those crimes that are already part of the national law, like femicide, rape, sexual harassment and abuse, stalking, forced abortion and sterilization.

This rule also establishes aggravating factors for some crimes that will result in more harsh sentences: crimes against public figures, journalists or human right defenders, crimes with the aim of punishing for people’s gender, sexuality, skin color, religion, social status, political affiliation and, lastly, crimes for honor.

It will also be compulsory to facilitate the access to medical care, including the ones related to sexual and reproductive health.

The goal is to start preventing violence against women, protect the victims and prosecute criminals. In fact, the preamble states: “The purpose of this Directive is to provide a comprehensive framework to effectively prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence throughout the Union”.

Evin Incir, co-speaker in the Commission for civil rights, affirms: “this is an historical first step to strengthen women rights and enlighten the path towards a future where every woman can live free from fear and oppression”.

In 2024, talking about “a future where every woman can live free from fear and oppression” triggers an indefinable feeling. Some decades ago, it would have been hard to think that in the 21st century we still would be fighting this fight. But here we are.

So, around May this directive will become effective; the journey to equality and to the elimination of violence against women is still long but this rule certainly gives hope.

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