The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted the first EU-wide rules on combating domestic abuse and violence against women.
The new legislation – which passed with 522 in favour, 27 against and 72 abstentions – prohibits female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
It also lays down guidelines for offences committed online, like sharing private information and cyberflashing.
Under the new rules, European Union member states must improve their reporting and evidence-collection procedures. They will also need to increase public awareness that non-consensual sex is a criminal offence.
