There is currently no shared EU definition of rape due to disagreements among member states.
A Midlands MEP says the European Parliament is a step closer to agreeing a common consent based definition of rape after its Gender Equality and Justice Committees backed the proposal.
Seventy five MEPs voted in favour, with 27 against and three abstentions, urging the European Commission to introduce legislation establishing an EU-wide definition based on freely given, informed and revocable consent.
There is currently no shared EU definition of rape due to disagreements among member states, leading to varying levels of protection and access to justice across the bloc.
Maria Walsh is calling for gender-based violence to be recognised as an EU crime and for an EU-wide ban on the disclosure of counselling notes in sexual assault trials to prevent retraumatisation.
She says it's a stain on Europe that agreement is not yet reached:
Laois Councillor Confirms Eye Clinic To Reopen
Tullamore Dew Visitor Experience Wins Two World Whiskies Awards
Laois Councillor Set To Step Down From Politics
Gardai Seize Drones Delivering Contraband To Laois Prisons
DWTS Judge Praises Midlands Contestants Ahead Of Semis
Laois TD Expresses Concerns Over GP Numbers
Hauliers Warn Diesel Price Rises As IRHA Criticises Taoiseach
Enoch Burke's Mother And Sister Jailed For Contempt Of Court
91-Year-Old Athlone Man Waiting For Flight Out Of Dubai
New Offaly Peat Industry Film Premieres Tonight
Safety Fears At Westmeath School Following E-Scooter Near Misses
75% Of Schools Receive No Applicants As Teacher Shortage Rises
Enterprise Minister Orders Energy Market Review Amid Price Gouging Fears
Midlands Artists To Feature In New Wetlands Guide
Midlands Advocacy Service For Sexual Abuse Survivors Praise Victim For Getting Justice
Laois Windfarm Developer Awarded 50% Of Legal Costs
Midlands Simon Calls On Government For Retrofit Funding
Midlands Charity Calls For State Support To Help Move People Off The Streets
Offaly Singer In Semi-Final Of Glór Tíre Tonight
Fáilte Ireland Urges Off Peak Holidays As Staycation Demand Grows