The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on Tuesday condemned harassment and violence against women with a “red card”, whether in football, at work or on their way home.
“It is time to show a red card against this violation of human rights,” the agency said in a statement, urging European Union countries to protect women more and provide more support to victims.
According to the agency, the majority of women in the European Union have experienced some form of sexual harassment or violence.
“This grave violation of human rights is a daily reality for more than half of the EU population,” the document said.
Data collected by the agency in a study shows that two in five girls (43%) between the ages of 18 and 19 have experienced non-consensual touching, hugging and kissing. More than half of women (55%) have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15.
According to the same source, one in three women (33%) has been subjected to physical/sexual violence. In one third of the victims, the perpetrator was a boss, a colleague or a customer.
However, most women did not report the violence or harassment to any authority: “Many felt that the police would do nothing, were ashamed or afraid of making the situation worse”.
Harassment and violence can have a devastating impact on women’s lives, from physical assault to psychological consequences.
The European body cites data from Eurostat to remind that hundreds of women are murdered by their partners every year.
The current debate shows that EU countries need to do more to combat harassment and violence against women, the European agency defended.
“All countries must sign the Istanbul Convention to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. So far only 21 states of the Union have done so,” the agency underlined, also defending that governments must guarantee resources for police , judiciary and the police. health sector to cooperate in the field of prevention and support of victims.
The FRA’s position comes at a time when another controversial case in sport is being discussed, in this Spanish case.
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days for kissing a Spanish national team player on the lips following Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
The Commission of Presidents of the Football Federations of the Autonomous Communities of Spain demanded on Monday that Luis Rubiales resign “immediately” as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), condemning the “unacceptable behavior that has seriously damaged the image of the Spanish Football Federation ”. football”.
The presidents of the regional federations also demanded “a profound organic restructuring of the strategic positions of the RFEF” and committed to “an equality policy for the development of women’s football”.
Following the events in Sydney, Rubiales was subject to numerous criticisms, with player Jenni Hermoso stating that she had not consented to the kiss, contrary to what the federation president guarantees.
Rubiales said on Friday he would not be leaving his post, triggering a new spike in contention and extreme positions, with the squad’s players announcing they are unavailable to return to represent Spain, while the current leaders of the RFEF stay in position. the positions.
On Saturday, FIFA announced Rubiales’ suspension for 90 days, and 11 members of coach Jorge Vila’s technical team resigned. For his part, the technician condemned the “inappropriate behavior” of the RFEF chairman.
Source: DN
