The new EU Directive dedicated to fighting violence against women and domestic violence is currently being discussed between the European Parliament and the Council for the final shape of the law.

However, a majority of the Council – which is the body of member states – is rejecting the inclusion of rape in this law which was originally drafted to protect women from this very crime, a statement from MEPs Francis Fitzgerald and Incir said.

The MEPs are calling for support from EU citizens to push their government to agree to include the definition of rape based on a lack of consent in the new rules.

This goes beyond “no means no.” The legislation aims to criminalise rape with a lack of consent – not only when the victim says no but when they do not say anything at all.

“Time is running out to get this finalised by November,” Fitzgerald said before Incir urged viewers to reach out to their public representatives.

“Get in touch with your ministers, members of national parliament, members of the European Parliament, and call on them to help us tackle this crime the way they should.”

It must be mentioned that this law will not just help women and girls, but anyone who is at risk of being raped.

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Will you be pressuring your public representatives to support this part of the directive?