Photo by Altin Ferreira on Unsplash
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has called for more action to combat the bullied victims of domestic violence who, she says, are often left “traumatised” by their ordeal.
She was speaking in parliament to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
To honour victims, the European Parliament’s buildings in Strasbourg were illuminated as part of the “Orange the world” campaign.
Metsola stressed that MEPs stand with those abused, traumatised, bullied and brutalised.
The MEP highlighted the work done in Parliament to pass legislation combating violence against women and domestic violence, criminalising more forms of abuse offline and online at the European level.
The deputy from Malta said that “this legislature must go even further. Strengthening protection across Europe and ensuring those who prey on these women are prosecuted.”
Her comments are echoed by the S&D group which, in a statement, said it calls for strong legal instruments and preventive measures to protect women.
Data shows that one in 20 women in the EU have been raped from the age of 15. One in 10 women in the EU have been victims of online sexual harassment from the age of 15.
Globally, more than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.
The statement adds, “It is totally unacceptable that women are killed just because they are women. We have a moral and legal obligation to eliminate gender-based violence.”
After years of campaigning, the European Parliament and EU member states have agreed on the first ever European law aimed at protecting women from violence, including from gender-based cyber violence, like cyberstalking and cyber-flashing.
However, much to the anger of many, rape was blocked from being included.
The statement goes on, “We call for identifying gender-based violence as an EU crime. We also urge all member states to get rid of outdated laws regarding rape. The crime of rape based on the lack of consent needs to be criminalised at an EU level.”
“We are determined to take on the fight until women everywhere in the EU are protected from all forms of gender-based violence.”
Following the adoption of the EU directive on violence against women and domestic violence there are now minimum standards on GBV in the EU.
However, some MEPs say the directive is not enough.
They include the Greens group which adds, “Gender-based violence persists, and we need to do more not only to help survivors but also to reduce and prevent misogynistic violence in our societies.”
Greens/EFA are pushing for the inclusion of gender based violence in the list of EU crimes, and calling for the Member states to adopt consent based definitions of rape.
