The Council settles on a proposed directive to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.
The new law would criminalise the following offences across the EU:
- female genital mutilation
- cyber stalking
- cyber harrassment
- non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- cyber incitement to hatred or violence
Member states must also ensure that victims can report acts of violence against women or domestic violence through accessible and easy-to-use channels, which can include the possibility of online reporting and to submit evidence online.
Member states must also ensure that evidence relating to the victim’s past sexual conduct should only be permitted in criminal proceedings when it is relevant and necessary.
Victims would have the right to claim full compensation from offenders for damages. They should also be able to obtain compensation in the course of criminal proceedings when this is appropriate.
Member states will also be required to provide dedicated services, such as rape crisis centres, to support the victims of sexual violence. They must furthermore make a national telephone helpline available that victims of violence can reach 24/7, free of charge.
Currently, no legal instrument specifically addressed violence against women and domestic violence at EU level.
Source: Violence against women and domestic violence: Council agrees position on draft EU law – Consilium