EU Parliament adopts first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse
The European Parliament has adopted the first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse and violence against women. The legislation prohibits female genital mutilation and forced marriage, as well as sets guidelines for online offences. Member states must improve reporting procedures and increase awareness of non-consensual sex as a criminal offense. One in three women in the EU has experienced violence, and 600,000 women have undergone female genital mutilation. The new rules will come into force 20 days after publication and member states have three years to implement them.