MEPs debate and vote on the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children during the plenary session in Strasbourg (4 - 7 october 2021). Statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) and Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs, extracts from the debate (04/10) and result of the final vote

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

vote

rights of the child (T)

violence against women (T)

KOUNTOURA, Elena (The Left, EL)

REGIMENTI, Luisa (EPP, IT)

DALLI, Helena (MT, EC)

The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) and Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs, extracts from the debate (04/10) and result of the final vote

Title: The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) and Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs, extracts from the debate (04/10) and result of the final vote

Exterior shot of EP in Strasbourg, France

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL), Co-rapporteur, One in three women has experienced the nightmare of gender violence many times in the family environment without the necessary protection, vindication and support. 22% of women have suffered physical and sexual violence and 43% have suffered psychological violence from their partner during the pandemic; this violence has increased due to forced home incarceration, making it difficult for women to have effective protection and support. But the full spectrum of violence against women is not recorded and is not adequately reflected in official European figures. The right to custody is a very sensitive issue for all parents who after the birth of their child or children decide to divorce. But it is extremely critical in cases of partner or family violence.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL), Co-rapporteur, Partner violence most of the time does not stop after the separation of a couple. So abusive parents often use court procedures to expand their authority and control as well as to continue to intimidate their victims and incite fear. This situation destroys the lives of children.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), Co-rapporteur, I would say that the data concerning violence against women are in the family environment is nothing short of gruesome. One in five women in Europe is subjected to family violence and these data are also inaccurate as many women do not report. The whole society is involved in this type of problem. economic or cultural conditions that determine family violence, but it is a phenomenon widespread to all strata of society and so much so that the UN and the Commission on gender equality have defined this an episode, that during this period of pandemic has reached unimaginable levels. A shadow pandemic and this is unfortunately not sufficiently understood in the judicial offices. Family violence is not a wake-up call for judges and often this violence results in a death sentence in cases of joint custody of children results in a death sentence for the woman and for the children.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), Co-rapporteur, In my report there is the right of children and women to be protected and to live a life without violence, far from violence and all those psychological repercussions that minors that assist violence in the family are then found in adulthood. It wants to be a hope for women who are currently experiencing violence within the family in silence. This is the way of saying the institutions are beside you and protect you. To do this, a revolution is needed, which starts from culture, starts from awareness campaigns and goes up to the courts, where there must be a judiciary. prepared and assisted by a pool of experts prepared to decode the signs of violence against minors and to assist women in this painful judicial journey.

SOUNDBITE (English), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Some children suffer from physical, emotional or sexual violence that is aimed directly against them. Some children suffer when witnessing such violence aimed against one of their parents or siblings. Some children may also suffer from violence in the context of joint custody and visiting rights when such rights are awarded to a violent parent. Indeed, the failure to restrict custody or unsupervised visiting rights may result in tragic consequences both for the other parent and the child concerned.

SOUNDBITE (English), Helena DALLI,  European Commissioner for Equality, The revised Brussels to a regulation applying as of August 2022 reinforces the rights of the child and cross-border custody cases by ensuring that they are heard and their perspective is taken into account. The new rules ensure a more effective cooperation between central authorities, courts and child protection. Authorities or other competent authorities.