The prison sentences provided for online harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images can be increased under “an extensive list of circumstances.”
The Council of the European Union (EU) on Tuesday gave the green light to the first community directive to combat domestic violence against women, which requires member states to criminalize online harassment and the non-consensual exchange of intimate images.
“The Council has given the green light to an EU directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Taking decisive measures against these acts of violence is essential to guarantee the fundamental values and rights of equality between women and men and non-discrimination,” the institution that brings together the Member States highlights in a statement.
Specifically, the law approved this Tuesday criminalizes stalking, harassment and incitement to hate or violence online, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, female genital mutilation and forced marriage as EU crimes.
The commission of these crimes will be punished with Prison sentences that can range between one and five years.. The directive also includes an extensive list of aggravating circumstances, such as the commission of a crime against a child, a former or current spouse or partner or a public representative, a journalist or a human rights defender, which carry more severe penalties.
The plans are still detailed rules on assistance and protection measures that Member States must provide to victimsto also make it “easier for victims of violence against women and domestic violence to report a crime,” particularly through online tools.
“To protect the privacy of the victim and prevent re-victimization, Member States should also ensure that evidence related to the victim’s previous sexual behavior is only allowed in criminal proceedings when it is relevant and necessary,” the institution indicates.
In the case of children, EU countries must take measures to ensure that they are cared for by professionals, and when a crime committed by someone with parental responsibility is reported, authorities will have to take measures to protect the child’s safety before report the alleged perpetrator of the crime. the crime.
“With the aim of building a safer future, preventive measures aim to raise awareness about the root causes of violence against women and domestic violence and promote the central role of consent in sexual relations,” says the Council of the EU.
Member States now have three years (from the date of entry into force of the directive) to transpose it into their national legislation.
Source: Observadora
