One in three women in Europe.
Have experienced gender-based violence.
Have had a violent partner in their lifetime.
Have suffered sexual harassment at work.
When you take into account that this violence continues to be under-reported, these numbers make for even more grim reading – this violence must stop. This is why every year the international community, including the EU, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.
The EU is committed to eradicating this deep-rooted gender-based violence and important recent milestones are testament to this. The EU now has its first, strong and comprehensive law to fight gender-based violence adopted in May 2024. In 2023, the EU acceded to the Istanbul Convention, the first legally binding international treaty to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. And just earlier this year, the Commission highlighted its commitments in the roadmap for women’s rights. Meanwhile work is ongoing on a new strategy for gender equality to be presented in 2026, where eliminating violence against women will be a core element.
Concrete assistance is available too. Victims can call a common EU helpline 116 016.
This 25 November, the EU is once again renewing its commitment to eradicate violence – including digital violence – against women and girls in the EU and beyond. It is also calling for action to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors.
For more information
Istanbul Convention: Helplines in Europe
Funding for projects and organisations to tackle gender-based violence
European Institute for Gender Equality’s resources on gender-based violence
