Memo: Commission proposal to protect victims of domestic violence EU-wide will become law

Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will be able to count on EU-wide protection. On 19 February 2013, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers reached a political agreement in principle on a proposal by the European Commission for an EU-wide protection order.

The agreement – which comes after a trilogue meeting between the Commission and the two co-legislators (European Parliament, and the Council of Ministers) – means women who have suffered domestic violence will be able to rely on a restraining order obtained in their home country wherever they are in the EU. Such protection is in particular vital for many women in Europe: around one in five have suffered physical violence at least once in their life, according to surveys.