The recent confirmation hearing for Irish Justice Commissioner-designate, Michael McGrath, highlighted his commitment to strengthening the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence across the EU. McGrath emphasized the importance of uniformity and consistency among member states in the fight against violence against women. He expressed openness to further common legislation to criminalize gender-based violence, including the possibility of adding it to the list of Euro-crimes.
The EU recently passed a directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence, but the omission of rape as a Euro crime due to lack of consensus among member states has sparked debate. McGrath’s plans to ensure the equal criminalization of rape across the EU include encouraging member states to introduce the concept of consent when transposing the directive into national law. This aligns with existing consent-based definitions of rape in countries like Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Sweden.
The proposal for unifying rules across the bloc to criminalize offenses such as cyber violence, female genital mutilation, and rape initially faced resistance from the Council. However, despite disagreements, the Parliament eventually approved the new rules, marking a historic step in strengthening women’s rights in the EU. The Commission is expected to report every five years on the situation of women and girls across the EU and the need to review the Directive, highlighting the ongoing commitment to combatting gender-based violence.
Statistics show that two in ten women in the EU have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of a partner or friend. Gender-based violence is also associated with an estimated annual societal cost of €290 million at the EU level, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive legislation and enforcement to address this pervasive issue. McGrath’s stance on the importance of common legislation and consistent enforcement mechanisms can contribute to a more unified and effective approach to combatting gender-based violence in the EU.
In conclusion, McGrath’s advocacy for stronger protections for women and girls from gender-based violence, including the potential for further common legislation to criminalize such offenses, reflects a commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the EU. By working towards greater consistency and uniformity across member states, McGrath aims to address the shortcomings in the current legal framework and enhance the EU’s ability to combat gender-based violence effectively. The passing of the recent directive marks a significant milestone in this ongoing effort, but continued vigilance and regular reviews are necessary to ensure progress towards a future where every woman can live free from fear and oppression.
