Renew Europe MEP calls for better protection and prevention of gender-based violence
Soraya Rodríguez today called for a strengthening of protection measures for victims of gender-based violence. In her statements, the MEP of the Renew Europe parliamentary group stressed the importance of improving protection and risk assessment systems to ensure the safety of victims.
‘We must further strengthen the protection and prevention of gender-based violence,’ Rodriguez said. ‘Spain is one of the most advanced countries in the fight against gender-based violence, but unfortunately, last December, 12 women were killed, and half of them had denounced without protection orders.’
The MEP stressed the need to use all available measures, such as pretrial detention and the imposition of follow-up telematic wristbands, even if victims do not request it, where there is a high assessment of the risk to their life and physical integrity.
In addition, Soraya Rodríguez has stressed the importance of improving access to free justice and strengthening support for children and orphans who are victims of gender-based violence. She has also emphasized the inclusion health rights and sexual and reproductive rights, including the right to legal and safe abortion. The MEP highlighted the fundamental role of women’s organizations and civil society in protecting and supporting victims of gender-based violence. She has also expressed concern about negligent violence and has agreed to forced sterilization in specific cases.
In relation to forced sexual exploitation, Rodriguez has emphasized that there is a general agreement in Parliament to criminalize the users of sexual services derived from trafficking in human beings. According to the MEP, this form of violence and exploitation is one of the most egregious women and girls in the world, and the users are necessary collaborators of this illicit business. Soraya Rodríguez concluded by reaffirming her commitment to working with all parliamentary groups to achieve a good directive in the European Parliament on gender-based violence.
