The European Parliament has adopted new regulations aimed at stopping violence against women. These regulations were passed on April 24, 2024. They introduce several important measures to enhance victim protection and support. For the first time, these measures are unified under a single EU-wide legal framework:
1. Criminalization of Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation**: These actions are now crimes across all EU member states. Before, the laws varied by country. Now, there is consistent legal protection.
2. Online Protections: It is now illegal across the EU to share personal information online without consent. “Cyber-flashing” is also prohibited. These rules address modern forms of abuse.
3. Stricter Penalties for Aggravated Offenses: The regulations set tougher penalties for severe crimes. This includes crimes against public figures or those motivated by discrimination.
4. Healthcare Accessibility :All member states must ensure that victims have access to healthcare. This includes sexual and reproductive health services.
5. Improved Reporting and Evidence Gathering : The regulations require all member states to improve how they report crimes and gather evidence. This creates a unified approach across the EU.
The new rules will start twenty days after they are published in the EU Official Journal. Member states have three years from the enactment date to implement these provisions. Every five years, these regulations will be reviewed to make sure they are still effective. This comprehensive and uniform legal framework marks a significant step towards making Europe safer for women. It advances women’s rights across all member states.
For more information on these regulations, you can visit the European Parliament’s official website.
