MEPs to call for gender-based violence to be classified as a crime under EU law
To better protect victims, Parliament is set to call for online and offline gender-based violence to be included as a new area of crime under article 83(1) TFEU .
In a draft legislative initiative to be debated on Wednesday and put to a vote on Thursday, MEPs demand targeted legislation and policies to address the situation faced by victims of violence and discrimination based on their gender, whether offline or online.
The Commission should use the new area of crime to be established under Article 83(1) TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the EU), as a legal basis for an EU Directive preventing and combatting all forms of gender-based violence. This new Directive should implement the Istanbul Convention and other international standards, and should contain prevention measures (including via gender-sensitive education programmes), support services and protection measures for victims, minimum standards for law enforcement and better cooperation among member states.
Background
One third of women in the EU have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Around 50 women lose their lives to domestic violence every week, and 75% of women within a professional setting have experienced sexual harassment.
Procedure: Legislative initiative procedure
Debate: Wednesday, 15 September
Vote: Thursday 16 September