On Wednesday, the 12th of July, the European Parliament approved its position on the improvements necessary for European Commission’s proposal for a directive on prevention of violence against women and domestic violence.
The European Parliament requests an expansion of the directive’s range in order to cover as many crimes as possible.
According to MEPs, it is important to tackle online violence more, especially cases when users send pictures of their genitals to each others.
On top of that it is necessary to improve reporting and investigative procedures and further enhance support for victims of violence.
In the report prepared by the Committee on Civil Liberties and Women’s Rights Committee, MEPs request classifying rape based on whether or not consent was given – currently the law classifies rape as such based on whether or not force or threats were used to commit it.
This is why MEPs want tighter rules against online harassment, as well as better support for victims of violence.
Amendments proposed by MEPs require considering the factor of consent in each case of sexual intercourse individually. The proposed changes also provide for an extension of the range of aggravating circumstances, including crimes that lead to the death or suicide of a dependent, crimes against a public person or crimes with the intention of preserving or restoring “honor”.
The European Parliament calls for the adoption of EU rules against sexual assault, genital mutilation of women and “intersex persons”, forced sterilisation, forced marriages and sexual harassment in all work-related environments.
Special rules are proposed for online crimes – publication of intimate or sexual content without permission or unwanted sending of pictures of genitals.
As part of the new directive it is also planned to improve procedures to guarantee the safety of victims and provide healthcare, as well as guarantee legal aid. At the same time, it is planned to improve reporting and evidence-gathering in competent institutions.
The report was approved at the plenary meeting without a vote and in accordance to rules of procedure.
BNN previously reported that the Council of Europe approved EU’s joining of the Istanbul Convention at the beginning of June.
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