EU Passes Tougher Penalties for Child Abuse

“Child abusers and viewers of child sex images on the web will face tough penalties in the European Union, under new rules approved by the European Parliament on October 27 2011.

The legislative resolution was adopted by the European Parliament with 541 votes in favour, two against and 31 abstentions.”

“The directive, already agreed by MEPs and home affairs ministers, will introduce EU-wide requirements on prevention, prosecution of offenders and protection for victims.

EU member states will have two years to transpose the new rules into national law.”

“The text will be available to the competent authorities and NGOs, so that there is zero tolerance of all crimes against children” Angelilli said.

The text sets out minimum penalties for about 20 criminal offences – far more than are usually provided for in EU legislation.

MEPs fought for tougher penalties across the EU, especially in cases of abuse by persons in a position of trust, authority or influence over the child (e.g. family members, guardians or teachers) or abuse of particularly vulnerable children (e.g. those with a physical or mental disability or under the influence of drugs or alcohol).

For instance, coercing a child into sexual actions or forcing a child into prostitution will be punishable by at least 10 years in prison. Child pornography producers will face at least three years, and viewers of child pornography on the web at least one year.”

Penalties on Sex Offenders

“Because about 20 per cent of sex offenders go on to commit further offences after conviction, the directive stipulates that convicted offenders “may be temporarily or permanently prevented from exercising at least professional activities involving direct and regular contacts with children”.

Employers when recruiting will be entitled to request information on convictions for sexual offences against children. EU countries will also be entitled to take other measures, such as listing convicted persons in “sex offender registers”.

European Parliament votes approval of tougher penalties for child abuse, child pornography
[The Sofia Echo 10/27/11]

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