News Center- The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence, with 522 in favour, 27 against, and 72 abstentions.

The new rules prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage and outline particular guidelines for offenses committed online, such as the disclosure of private information and cyberflashing.

The new legislation will include a longer list of aggravating circumstances for offenses that carry more severe penalties, such as crimes against public figures, journalists, or human rights defenders. The list also includes the intention to punish victims based on their gender, sexual orientation, skin color, religion, social origin, or political beliefs, and the desire to maintain or restore “honor.”

“Today Parliament has taken the first steps to make Europe the first continent in the world to end violence against women,” said Frances Fitzgerald, the co-rapporteur from the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee. “This is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that will prevent violence against women, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to tackling these heinous crimes. There can be no equality without eradication of violence against women; we must ensure that there can be no impunity for those who commit such crimes.”

“This ground-breaking directive embodies our unwavering commitment to strengthening the rights of women and saving lives,” said Evin Incir, the co-rapporteur from the Civil Liberties Committee. “As we march forward, let us remember this moment as a first historic step in strengthening women's rights and illuminating the path towards a future where every woman can live free from fear and oppression. This is a victory for justice and equality across the European Union.”

The new rules will come into force twenty days after their publication in the EU Official Journal. Member states have three years to implement the provisions.