Widespread gender-based violence continues to plague the European Union, with alarming statistics painting a grim picture. On November 25, 2024, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the European statistics office Eurostat revealed findings from its latest survey which indicate nearly one-third of women aged 18 to 74 have suffered from some form of violence during their lives.
According to Eurostat's report, about 50 million women throughout the EU have experienced physical violence, including threats, or sexual violence, amounting to roughly 31% of the population surveyed. The study, which was part of the EU gender-based violence survey conducted between September 2020 and March 2024, highlights not just the prevalence of violence but also the varying degrees experienced among different age groups.
The report pointed out significant discrepancies by age: 35% of younger women (ages 18-29) reported incidents of gender-based violence, compared to 24% of women aged 65-74. Such figures suggest the unfortunate reality where many young women find themselves unprotected or unsafe.
Home, often considered a sanctuary, is conspicuously unsafe for many women. Eurostat's data revealed stunning figures: 18% of women with partners reported experiencing physical or sexual violence from their significant other, and when factoring psychological abuse, this percentage jumps to 32%. This alarming realization leads to the pressing question—what measures can be taken to protect women within the very places they are meant to feel safest?
Worse still, non-partner violence also showcases distressing statistics. Approximately 20% of women acknowledged having experienced violence from someone other than their partner, which breaks down to 9% enduring humiliations or degrading acts, alongside 7% reporting physical violence unrelated to sexual acts, and 4% affirming they were victims of rape. The statistics reflect broader societal issues where violence is far more common than previously recognized.
Through the lens of geography, the incidence of non-partner violence varies significantly across member states. Finland leads with 47% of women reporting such violence, followed by Sweden at 42%. Conversely, countries like Bulgaria, Poland, and the Czech Republic report figures as low as 6%, 8%, and 10% respectively. This disparity sheds light on how cultural and societal attitudes toward gender-based violence influence reporting and recognition of these abuses.
Latvia, for its part, has reported relatively low levels of gender-based violence; 8% of women reported physical violence, 5.9% reported sexual violence, and 2.4% reported being raped. Despite these figures, many advocate the need for cautious interpretation, attributing such low numbers to societal stigma or varying standards around reporting gender-based violence. Eurostat has noted, "The extent to which violence is tolerated in the wider community might influence the number of women who are ready to share their experience of violence." The challenge lies not just in assessing these figures, but also ensuring these women feel empowered and safe to share their experiences.
The lack of reporting incidents of gender-based violence to the authorities is another dimension of the problem. Alarmingly, only one-fifth of women who experienced violence sought assistance from support services, and merely one-eighth reported their experiences to police. Among societal attitudes, the need for safe spaces where women can freely disclose their experiences without fear of judgement or retaliation becomes imperative. “There are no safe spaces for women, free from violence and harassment,” remarked Sirpa Rautio, director of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). Rautio emphasized the pressing necessity for policymakers, civil society, and frontline workers to take definitive actions aimed at supporting victims of gender-based violence.
The severe global impact of such violence can be seen through international studies, including one by the United Nations, which suggested around 736 million women experience physical and/or sexual violence worldwide. At the heart of this crisis lies the fact indisputable—in every 10 minutes, one woman loses her life due to violence at the hands of someone they know.
Recent protests across Europe have also highlighted these concerns. Demonstrations, like the one held on November 23, 2024, took place in Rome, emphasizing collective outrage and solidarity against gender-based violence. Activists and ordinary citizens alike voiced the message: enough is enough. The fight against gender-based violence has gained more visibility, pushing for necessary changes and reforms within the legal systems to protect vulnerable individuals.
The survey data from Eurostat and joint contributions from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) creates an urgent call to action: it demands heightened awareness, legislative changes, and stronger enforcement of existing laws relating to gender-based violence across the EU. Only through collective efforts can the tide of violence be turned.
With the need for vigilance, education on this issue, and sustained commitment from all levels of society, the hope remains to create safer communities where women can live without fear. The data released paints more than just numbers; it encapsulates real lives, stories, and the pressing need for action against gender-based violence. Addressing these issues cannot be put off any longer. European leaders and citizens alike must confront this pervasive challenge as part of the commitment to human rights and dignity for all.
