The European Union's executive arm unveiled plans Tuesday to harmonize the criminalization of rape across the 27-nation bloc on the strict basis of lack of consent. The plans also include the criminalization of female genital mutilation and cyber violence.
The large majority of EU member countries already treat violence against women and girls as a crime but the commission said there are gaps in national legislation. For instance, while rape is criminalized across the bloc, 18 members still require the use of force or threats to mete out punishment.
