Debate: Istanbul Convention and violence against women
Date: WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2020
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: MT

Many things have happened since I last addressed this House on the Istanbul Convention and violence against women. Since March, the world has changed. The number of cases of gender-based violence, violence against women and, in particular, domestic violence, has been on the rise. This is what we know because, as we know, this is one of the most under-reported crimes.  The strict confinement that many of us have been experiencing led to heightened exposure of women and children to domestic violence and abuse.  Home is not a safe space for everyone, especially not during lockdown. Anyone can experience domestic and intimate partner violence, but the majority of victims are women, and children, by witnessing violence, are being targeted directly.  This trend is extremely worrying, in particular as a second wave of confinement rules has been introduced in many countries. We must do all that we can to prevent domestic violence, protect its victims and punish offenders. We have taken a commitment in the EU Gender Equality Strategy, concluding that the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention is a key priority for the Commission since the Convention is the benchmark for international legislation on tackling gender-based violence.  As requested by the Parliament, the European Court of Justice is currently assessing the compatibility with the EU treaties of the Council signing decision and adoption procedure. The Court’s Opinion will be delivered in the second quarter of 2021. Should the EU’s accession subsequently remain blocked, the Commission will propose, in 2021, a legal initiative to prevent and combat violence against women in order to reach the same objectives as the Istanbul Convention. But we also need to act quickly to ensure a high level of protection and adequate specialised support services across Europe. Women should not be afraid to report cases of violence, nor should there be a fear of revictimisation. We must also counter the rising trend and prevent violence from happening. Last week, on the initiative of the German Presidency, the 27 EU Ministers for Gender Equality reiterated their strong commitment and support in strengthening and improving actions on combating gender-based violence and violence against women.  I am encouraged by these developments as the Commission shares the Ministers’ determination to prevent and combat gender-based violence. We will also need your strong support for our legal proposal on violence against women. As co-legislator, you will have a key role in making this happen. Additionally, as announced in our different equality strategies, we will present an initiative to extend the list of Euro crimes to hate speech and hate crime.  I am also here to call for your support to defend our common values. Gender equality is a core value of the European Union and a principle we will keep fighting for. I will continue to stress that the Istanbul Convention is the gold standard in terms of policy in this area and I will continue to facilitate a better understanding of its aim and provisions. The European Parliament has consistently taken a strong stance on the issue of violence against women, and has repeatedly called for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and for its ratification by individual Member States. I count on your continuous support for the work ahead of us.