One in Three Women in the EU Have Experienced Violence
A staggering one-third of women in the European Union have been subjected to violence at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. Young women report higher rates of sexual harassment at work and other forms of violence compared to older women. Yet, violence against women often goes unreported, with only one in four incidents brought to the attention of authorities such as police or support services.
These findings are part of the EU Survey on Gender-Based Violence conducted by Eurostat (the EU’s statistical office), the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) between 2020 and 2024.
The Scope of the Survey
The survey collected data from women aged 18 to 74 across EU member states. It addresses experiences of physical, sexual, and psychological violence, including domestic abuse and incidents involving non-partners. It also sheds light on sexual harassment in the workplace.
Key Findings
– Prevalence of Violence: One in three women in the EU have encountered physical violence, sexual violence, or threats during their adulthood.
– Sexual Violence and Rape: One in six women have experienced sexual violence, including rape.
– Violence at Home: For one in five women, home is not a safe space, as they have faced physical or sexual violence from a partner, relative, or household member.
– Workplace Harassment: One in three women have been sexually harassed at work, with younger women reporting even higher rates—two in five have experienced harassment at their workplace.
– Underreporting of Violence: While most victims have confided in someone close to them, only one in five have contacted a healthcare or social service, and merely one in eight have reported incidents to the police.
Addressing the Issue
The survey, carried out through collaborative efforts by Eurostat, FRA, and EIGE, aims to provide robust data to help policymakers across the EU tackle gender-based violence and offer better support to victims. The findings reinforce the need for immediate action to protect women and uphold their rights to safety.
The full dataset will be available on November 25 through Eurostat’s Gender-Based Violence Database, alongside an in-depth Statistics Explained article that outlines the survey findings.
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Voices from Key Leaders
Mariana Kotzeva, Eurostat Director-General:
“Today, Eurostat, in partnership with FRA and EIGE, releases the EU-level results of the gender-based violence survey. This data unveils the hidden yet pervasive phenomenon of violence against women. The robust methodology of this survey provides a trusted foundation for public awareness and decisive policy action. Our heartfelt thanks go to those who courageously and anonymously shared their experiences.”
Sirpa Rautio, FRA Director:
“There are no safe spaces for women free from violence. The first EU-wide survey back in 2014 revealed the alarming prevalence of violence against women. A decade later, we see similarly grim statistics—one in three women continue to face violence. Policymakers, civil society, and frontline workers must take urgent steps to support and protect the rights of all victims, wherever abuse occurs.”
Carlien Scheele, EIGE Director:
“When one in three women experience violence in the EU, yet only one in eight report it, there is a systemic issue. These findings emphasize the critical need for gender-focused prevention measures and support systems. By integrating a gendered perspective, we can create spaces where women feel safe to report incidents and receive the help they need. Every woman deserves safety—everywhere.”
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Next Steps and Resources
To increase awareness and drive action, the EU is making these key resources available:
– Gender-Based Violence Survey Key Results
– Campaign: Every Woman Deserves to Be Safe
– Steps to End Violence Against Women
The urgent call to action remains clear: eliminate gender-based violence and ensure that all women live free from fear, control, and inequality.
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