EU: Directive to protect women from violence omits rape. Germany has prevailed with its blockade.
EU member states and parliament have, for the first time, agreed on an agreement against violence against women. However, contrary to what was proposed by the Commission and Parliament, the text does not cover the crime of rape due to resistance from member states such as Germany and France. Female genital mutilation is to be made a criminal offense throughout Europe. Forced marriage, stalking and bullying of women on the Internet should also be criminalized across the EU.