Zero tolerance of violence against women
Gender-based violence is both a form of discrimination and a violation of the victim’s fundamental freedoms. It can be defined as violence directed against a person because of that person's gender (including gender identity/expression) or as violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. This can include:
- Violence in close relationships
- Sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault and harassment)
- Trafficking in human beings
- Slavery
- Diverse forms of harmful practices, such as forced marriages, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour’ crimes
Women and girls are the main victims of gender-based violence. It is estimated that in Europe, 20 % to 25 % of women have suffered physical violence at least once during their lives
. Even more astoundingly, hundreds of thousands of women living in Europe have been subjected to genital mutilation and thousands of girls are at risk.
Gender-based violence is both a consequence of the inequalities between women and men as well as an obstacle to equality.
What is the EU doing?
- The EU protects women and children from gender-based violence through legislation and practical measures on victims' rights
- Measures are being developed to eliminate female genital mutilation
- The EU co-funds national governments' awareness-raising activities
- The EU supports non-governmental organisations with transnational projects to combat violence against women, children and young people