Post by European Parliament

Sex is only sex when everyone involved gives free, informed and revocable consent. Everything else is rape.   In 2023, there were over 91,000 reported cases of rape and over 243,000 reported cases of sexual violence in the EU, according to Eurostat.   But the key word is “reported”.   A separate EU survey on violence against women shows that only 14% of women surveyed who experienced sexual violence reported it to the police.   That means the real scale is likely far higher – these figures are just the tip of the iceberg.   In many EU countries, rape is still defined based on violence, threats, or the victim’s inability to resist. Yet, rape victims often freeze in fear and cannot fight back. This leaves many cases unrecognised.   That’s why Parliament is pushing once again for an EU-wide definition of rape based on the absence of consent.   Parliament is also calling for:   • Consent-based laws and extended reporting deadlines • Accessible, round-the-clock support services for victims • Specialised training for key professionals • EU-wide education and awareness campaigns to challenge rape myths   A consent-based definition of rape should only worry those with something to hide.   Read more about how Parliament wants to protect victims of sexual violence: https://lnkd.in/dT7e7TgS