{"id":3084,"date":"2022-04-07T11:51:24","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T09:51:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greens-efa.eu\/opinions\/?p=3084"},"modified":"2022-04-07T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T12:00:00","slug":"new-eu-law-gender-based-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greens-efa.eu\/opinions\/new-eu-law-gender-based-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Only yes means yes! A new EU law on gender-based violence brings us closer to a feminist Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This month, we witnessed a defining moment for equality in Europe. For the first time ever<\/em>, there is a draft EU law to combat gender-based violence (GBV).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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We\u2019ve been campaigning for a <\/a>Europe-wide law against gender-based violence<\/a> for years, side by side with NGOs and civil society. We are determined to make this moment in feminist history one to remember. A moment which leaves no one behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The proposal for the new law – only the first draft of the Gender-based Violence Directive<\/a> – is finally here. Here\u2019s what you should know about it.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Why do we need an EU law against gender-based violence – and how will it affect you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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Once adopted, the law will mean all EU governments will be legally required to pass national laws to fight against gender-based violence in their countries. Right now every EU country has a different approach to gender-based violence. Because of this, some people are safer in some countries than others.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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This legislation sets out a basic common approach. It will mean that no matter where you are in the EU, any nonconsensual sex will be classified as rape. The law considers female genital mutilation (FGM), cyberstalking, cyber harassment and image-based sexual abuse as a crime.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The law is urgently needed. It will impact all of us. Gender-based violence affects 1 in 3 Europeans. If not you, then someone you know. And the COVID pandemic has only made this worse. Physical, psychological and sexual violence has increased across Europe. The situation is so serious that the United Nations has called it a \u201cshadow pandemic\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Keep reading to find out how a law against gender-based violence can protect your human rights.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Only yes means yes – the gender-based violence directive will make consent the law<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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