Nearly a third of women in the EU have endured violence at home, work, or in public spaces, according to a survey published on Monday, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2024 by Eurostat, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), also revealed that only one in four women who experience violent incidents report them to authorities.
The prevalence of violence against women varies greatly across countries. Finland reported the highest rate (57 percent), followed by Sweden (53 percent) and Hungary (49 percent). Meanwhile, the lowest rates were observed in Bulgaria (12 percent), Poland (17 percent), and both Czechia and Portugal (20 percent each).
“Violence against women is rooted in control, dominance, and inequality,” said EIGE Director Carlien Scheele. She emphasized the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach into prevention programs and support services, noting that this can help foster greater trust and encourage more women to seek help. She added, “Every woman has a right to be safe—everywhere.”
Notably, the survey found that women aged 18 to 29 face the highest levels of sexual harassment in the workplace, with 42 percent of respondents in this age group reporting such incidents.
Many women do not report violence due to various barriers, including fear of retaliation, stigma, societal blame, or exclusion from their social circles—issues that are particularly pronounced in more traditional societies. Other deterrents include a lack of trust in institutions and obstacles in accessing justice.
The report highlighted the EU’s efforts to combat violence against women, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in June 2023. This landmark agreement provides legally binding standards to protect women and has become a flashpoint of debate between Eastern and Western Europe.
Despite progress, the findings underscore the urgent need for further action to ensure that women across the EU can live free from violence and discrimination.
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