Better protection for victims of violence anywhere in the EU

As of this Sunday, victims of violence – notably those who have suffered domestic violence or stalking – will be able to guarantee themselves better protection in any EU Member State. The new rules mean that restraining, protection and barring orders issued in one Member State are now quickly and easily recognisable across the EU through simple certification.

“Rights of the victims of violence will now be guaranteed outside their own country too, wherever they are in Europe”, said Věra Jourová, the EU’s Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.

“In the EU, an estimated one in five women face violence at some point in their life and unfortunately most often this physical violence comes from someone close to the person, such as their partner.”

A citizen who has suffered domestic abuse will now be able to feel safe to travel outside their home country – by simply transferring the order that protects them from the offender.

Previously, victims would have to go through complex procedures to get their protection recognised in other EU Member States – and enter a different procedure for certification in each country. Now, such protection orders will be easily recognised in any EU Member State, meaning a citizen who has suffered violence can travel without having to go through burdensome procedures.

“The new procedure will mean that women or men who suffer violence can have the protection they deserve and go on with their lives. They will be able to choose to live in another EU Member State or to travel on holiday without fearing for their safety” Jourová added.

The new mechanism consists of two separate instruments: theRegulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters and the Directive on the European Protection Order. Together, the two instruments will ensure that all victims of violence have the possibility to get their protection orders recognised in any EU Member State.

More support needed for victims

The need for support and protection of victims is backed up by a report published today by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), which concludes that more targeted victim support services are needed in the EU. Despite improvements, challenges remain for victim support services in many Member States. Specific suggestions for improvement include ensuring victims have access to targeted support services – including trauma support and counselling, removing bureaucratic hurdles for victims to legal aid, and ensuring people have information about their rights and the services available.

The European Commission is committed to improving the rights of the 75 million people that become victims of crime each year. In 2012, an EU directive setting minimum standards for the rights, support and protection of victims across the EU became law (IP/12/1066) and will become binding on Member States by 16 November 2015.

For more information

EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Report:

fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2015/victims-crime-eu-support

Europa – rights of the victim:

ec.europa.eu/justice/criminal/victims/rights/index_en.htm

Factsheet -“European Commission actions to combat Violence Against Women”:

ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/files/documents/140303_factsheet_vaw_en.pdf

EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) EU-wide survey on Violence Against Women factsheet (March 2014):

fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2014/vaw-survey-results-factsheet

Webpage of Věra Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality:

ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/jourova_en

Follow the Commissioner on Twitter: @VeraJourova