Sex crimes must mean automatic prosecution in all EU countries

Posted on April 05, 2011 at 04:40 PM

Europe's women do not have equal protection against male violence across the EU, as national laws and policies differ from one Member State to another. In several Member States, rape is not treated as a state offence and does not lead to automatic prosecution.

• 45% of all women in Europe have been subject to and suffered from men's violence.
• It is estimated that the total cost of domestic violence within the 27 member states could be as high as 16 billion Euros.
• It is estimated that the cost to society of gender-based violence – in the form of spending on healthcare, the legal system and social services – is € 2 million per hour in total in all EU Member States
• According to Eurobarometer 344, 87% of respondents consider that the EU should get involved in combating violence in close relationships.

Speaking in advance of a vote on a European Parliament report calling for automatic prosecution of sex crimes, Nessa has said that research confirms that the situation in Ireland mirrors the problem experienced across Europe, “The National Crime Council in 2005 found that 1 in 7 women in Ireland experienced severe abusive behaviour of a physical, sexual or emotional nature from a partner at some times in their lives.”

The impact of domestic and physical and or sexual violence should not be underestimated, as it results in severe damage to individuals’ physical and mental health giving rise to severe depression and even suicide.

However the Parliament’s report also shows the cost to the exchequer as it is estimated that the cost to society of gender-based violence – in the form of spending on healthcare, the legal system and social services – is € 2 million per hour in total in all EU Member States.

In 2009, I had the privilege in becoming the first ambassador of Rape Crisis North East based in Dundalk.  This support and counselling service is one of many across Ireland East.  These NGOs offer vital support for victims of sexual and domestic violence yet have to cope with a very difficult funding environment.

It is important that the EU direct funding and support for continuing research across member states to ensure we have a full and accurate picture of the scope of the problem.  There also needs to be support for NGOs to raise awareness about the impact and effects of sexual violence, be it domestic, rape or trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

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