Victims of domestic violence living in the EU will be able to rely on restraining orders issued in one member state while living in another.
The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for EU-wide ‘protection order’ legislation proposed by the European Commission, meaning that restraining orders issued for domestic violence will become portable and travel with their victims within Europe.
The measure will now pass to the EU Council. Formal adoption is expected next month.
Members states will then implement the regulation into their own legal systems.
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said:
“An estimated 1 in 5 women in Europe suffer some kind of violence at least once in their lives. Sadly, the most common form of physical violence is inflicted by someone close to the woman, usually an intimate partner. Thanks to the European Protection order, victims of domestic violence can breathe a sigh of relief: they will be able to rely on a restraining order obtained in their home country wherever they are in the Union. The protection will travel with the citizens. This is a tangible example of how the EU is helping to reinforce the rights of victims all over Europe.”
