Brussels, 29/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 25 November, on the International Day on Violence Against Women, the European Women's Lobby (EWL) regretted that, despite complaints filed by victims and repeated warnings from women's associations and MEPs, there is still no European legislation for combating violence against women. In a press release, the EWL draws particular attention to the very harsh life of migrant women, who suffer male violence and have a very insecure social status. The women's group therefore calls on the Commission and Council to develop a European legal framework that would recognise the many different forms of discrimination facing migrant women.
The standing committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which met in Bucharest, adopted a declaration condemning domestic violence, the form of violence that is too commonly experienced by women in Europe in their own homes. The magnitude and the progression of domestic violence in Europe, which is a serious violation of human rights, calls for laws to be imposed and mentalities to change, MEPs say, taking the decision to fully commit their efforts to the European-wide campaign to combat violence against women including domestic violence, a campaign that will be launched by the Council of Europe in 2006-2007. The campaign will make alert national parlimanets in the 46 member states and the public at large to the need for action to prevent and punish domestic violence and to provide more help for victims.