Please find broadcast quality video statement from S&D Group spokeswoman on women's rights and gender equality Marie Arena MEP and S&D Group negotiator on the resolution Christine Revault d'Allonnes-Bonnefoy MEP.

http://www.sdbroadcast.eu/latest-news...

33% of all women in Europe have suffered from violence - the EU must act now says S&D

S&D Euro MPs today secured a strong majority for a resolution calling on the EU to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women, otherwise known as ‘The Istanbul Convention’.

The resolution also calls on the EU to step up its actions on combatting violence against women through the adoption of an EU law. The aim would be to strengthen the European response in addition to classifying violence against women as a particularly serious crime within the EU treaties.

S&D Group spokeswoman on women's rights and gender equality Marie Arena MEP said:

“Today we have sent a strong and clear message to the Council and the Commission: Half-hearted delivery is no longer acceptable. A third of all women in Europe have suffered physical or sexual violence, EU action is long overdue!

“Eradicating violence against women has always been an S&D priority and we are happy that this resolution received such broad support. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention would be a step in the right direction. Women have the right to feel safe and protected, no matter where in the EU they are living.”

MEPs involved
President
Spain