Combating violence against women
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Summary
Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence sets minimum rules to criminalise certain forms of violence against women and domestic violence, and to strengthen victims’ rights to protection, support and access to justice. It includes specific provisions on cyber violence (including non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberstalking) and requires Member States to ensure effective investigation and prosecution. It also introduces prevention measures, coordination duties and data collection requirements.
Who is affected?
Member States’ criminal justice and victim-support authorities must transpose and enforce the rules. Victims of violence against women and domestic violence benefit from strengthened protection and support, while providers of intermediary services/online platforms may be affected by obligations linked to addressing certain forms of cyber violence under national implementing measures.
Scope
Applies across the EU to minimum criminal-law definitions and sanctions for specified offences, and to minimum standards for victim protection, support services, prevention and coordination in cases of violence against women and domestic violence, including certain forms committed online.
Key Points
- Sets EU minimum rules on the definition of, and penalties for, certain offences of violence against women and domestic violence, including specific forms of cyber violence.
- Requires accessible specialist support services, including shelters, rape crisis/sexual violence referral services and helplines, and measures to ensure victims’ safety and protection.
- Strengthens victims’ rights in criminal proceedings, including access to information, support, protection measures and individual assessment of protection needs.
- Includes prevention obligations such as awareness-raising, training for professionals and measures addressing harmful stereotypes.
- Requires coordination among competent authorities and improved data collection and reporting on violence against women and domestic violence.
Key Deadlines
- — Deadline for Member States to transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into national law
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women?
Member States are required to transpose and enforce the Directive through their national laws. Criminal justice authorities, victim-support services, and, in some cases, providers of intermediary services or online platforms must comply with relevant national measures implementing the Directive.
What types of violence are covered by this Directive?
The Directive covers violence against women and domestic violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. It also specifically addresses certain forms of cyber violence, such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberstalking.
What are the key obligations for Member States under this Directive?
Member States must criminalise specified forms of violence, provide accessible specialist support services, ensure victim protection and support, implement prevention measures, coordinate among authorities, and collect and report data on relevant offences.
What penalties are established by the Directive for offences?
The Directive sets minimum rules for defining offences and corresponding penalties, but the exact penalties are determined by each Member State in their national legislation, provided they meet or exceed the minimum standards set by the Directive.
How does the Directive strengthen victims’ rights?
Victims are granted rights to information, support, and protection throughout criminal proceedings. The Directive requires individual assessment of protection needs and access to specialist support services, such as shelters and helplines.
What are the requirements regarding cyber violence?
Member States must criminalise specific forms of cyber violence, including non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberstalking. They must also ensure that victims of such offences have access to protection and support services.
What prevention measures must be implemented?
The Directive requires Member States to conduct awareness-raising campaigns, provide training for professionals, and implement measures to address harmful gender stereotypes and prevent violence against women and domestic violence.
How does the Directive interact with other EU laws?
The Directive complements existing EU and international instruments on victims’ rights and gender equality. It sets minimum standards that Member States must meet, without prejudice to more stringent national or EU measures.
What are the timelines for implementation?
Member States must transpose the Directive into their national law within a specified period after its entry into force, typically within two years. The exact deadline is set out in the Directive’s provisions.
What practical steps should authorities take to comply with the Directive?
Authorities should review and amend national criminal laws, establish or enhance support services, train relevant professionals, coordinate with other agencies, and set up systems for data collection and reporting on violence against women and domestic violence.
Key Terms
- Violence against women
- Acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm or suffering to women.
- Domestic violence
- Violence occurring within the family or domestic unit, regardless of biological or legal family ties, including between current or former spouses or partners.
- Cyber violence
- Forms of violence committed through digital means, such as the internet or electronic communications, including cyberstalking and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
- Specialist support services
- Dedicated services for victims, such as shelters, rape crisis centres, sexual violence referral services, and helplines, providing protection, counselling, and assistance.
- Individual assessment of protection needs
- A process to evaluate each victim’s specific risks and needs to determine appropriate protection and support measures.
- Intermediary services
- Online platforms or service providers that facilitate the transmission or hosting of user-generated content and may be required to address certain forms of cyber violence.
- Minimum rules
- The lowest common standards set by the Directive that Member States must meet or exceed in their national legislation.
- Awareness-raising measures
- Campaigns and activities aimed at increasing public knowledge and understanding of violence against women and domestic violence, and promoting prevention.
- Coordination duties
- Obligations for national authorities to cooperate and coordinate their actions to effectively prevent, investigate, and prosecute violence against women and domestic violence.
- Data collection requirements
- Obligations for Member States to gather, analyse, and report statistical data on offences, victims, and responses related to violence against women and domestic violence.