‘Yes Means Yes’ definition of rape will change across Europe, a big step for women’s safety in the European Parliament
Strasbourg/Brussels. In a major step forward for women’s safety, European Parliament lawmakers have demanded that a uniform definition of rape be applied across the EU. MPs say that in rape cases, only physical violence or use of force should not be considered as the basis, but lack of ‘consent’ should be made the main basis.
This report, passed with an overwhelming majority in Parliament, demands that all member countries change their old laws. The MPs have made it clear that consent should only mean ‘yes’.
If a woman is silent, is unable to protest or has not clearly said ‘no’, it does not at all mean that she had consent. Even old relationships or any consent given earlier cannot be taken as a basis in the present case.
MPs argue that many times the victim is not in a position to protest due to fear, intoxication, unconsciousness or some compulsion. Sometimes the body becomes numb due to shock, which has to be understood by law and courts. Parliament wants victims to immediately receive medical attention, psychological help and legal advice.
For this, it has also been said that help should be made available all the time. This report also says that police, judges and lawyers should be given special training so that they deal with the victims sensitively. Apart from this, it has been suggested to issue new guidelines for sex education in schools and run a campaign against wrong ideas spread on the internet.
Parliament reporter Evin Insir said that it is wrong that in many parts of Europe women are still not covered by the ‘yes means yes’ law. At the same time, Joanna Scheuring-Wilgus said that one out of every three women in the European Union is a victim of violence. She stressed that the time has come to leave behind the old laws and provide equal protection to women everywhere.
Comments are closed.