Source: European Parliament
Combating and preventing violence against women and domestic violence remains a key priority for the European Union. In May 2024, the directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence[1] was adopted.
In line with Article 26 thereof, Member States are required to provide, for rape cases or sexual violence, referral centres to ensure the clinical management of rape, including assisting in safekeeping and documentation of evidence. The centres shall provide referral to counselling for victims, where necessary.
Member States shall also ensure that victims have access to medical and forensic examinations, and that all officials likely to come into contact with victims receive training (Article 36 of the directive). Member States will need to transpose this directive by 14 June 2027.
The Commission is also supporting research on preventive technologies. Under the Horizon Europe programme[2], the Commission has funded projects aimed at developing advanced forensic tools to detect substances commonly used in chemical submission, such as gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
These projects focus on creating reliable, easy-to-use detection methods for these substances in beverages and biological samples, which are crucial for timely intervention and evidence collection in sexual assault cases[3].
In addition, the Commission Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health[4], adopted in 2023, highlights the importance of early intervention and integrated care for individuals affected by trauma, including survivors of sexual violence.
It promotes access to appropriate mental health and psychosocial support services across Member States, recognising the long-term psychological impacts of such experiences.
- [1] Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj.
- [2] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en.
- [3] https://cordis.europa.eu/search?q=contenttype%3D%27project%27%20AND%20programme%2Fcode%3D%27HORIZON-CL3-2023-FCT-01-02%27&p=1&num=10&srt=/project/contentUpdateDate:decreasing, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101168416, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101168195
- [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en.