European Commission launched a public consultation on how best to tackle gender-based and domestic violence. The views gathered during the consultation will feed into a legislative initiative announced in the Gender Equality Strategy expected by the end of this year. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has put the fight against gender-based violence among her top political priorities and reiterated her commitment to the legislative initiative in the Letter of Intent on the State of the Union 2020. Violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent forms of gender discrimination and a violation of human rights in Europe. In the EU, 33% of women are victims of physical and/or sexual violence. Domestic violence — against women and other victims such as children, men and the elderly — has increased due to containment measures linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The public consultation will bring together the views of a wide range of stakeholders — such as members of the general public, academics, business and employee representatives, NGOs, media organisations and public authorities. Those wishing to participate in the public consultation can fill in a questionnaire which will be available online.