Redding: Stop Violence Against Women!

“Across Europe, about one in five women suffered
physical violence at least once in their lives and one in 10 suffered sexual
violence. Violence against women is the most brutal manifestation of gender
inequality and is a violation of human rights that Europe must not and cannot
ignore”- said he EU's Justice Commissioner Vivian Redding addressing
the International Day of Eliminating Violence against Women.

A new European law on victims’ rights was proposed
by the Commission and adopted by the  Parliament and the Council entering the
statute book of the European Union. This new law is a breakthrough for
women-victims of violence, guaranteeing their rights to be treated with respect
by authorities, to be informed about their rights, to receive the adequate
support, finally to participate in proceedings like attending the trial, upon
their wish.

The authorities have to guarantee the victims
proper protection during investigation and prosecution.

‘I expect to see Member States swiftly transposing
this Directive as a matter of priority to address the needs of millions of
Europeans and their families every year’, - continued Redding.

She proposed a European Protection Order to make
sure that women victims of domestic violence are getting more attention. This
will complete existing EU laws in the field of penal law to ensure the barring
or restraining order issued against a violent partner can be automatically recognized in
another member-state wherever victim goes to be protected equally all over the
EU territories.

Commissioner Redding called on national Justice
Ministers in the Council to reach an agreement on the European Protection Order
civil law mechanism as soon as possible to make better protection for women
throughout the EU a reality.

Anna van Densky

Share this article: