Almost 9 out of 10 European citizens consider gender-based violence unacceptable and that it should always be punished by law. How do EU citizens perceive gender-based violence?
EU citizens’ perception of gender-based violence reflects a significant awareness of the seriousness of this problem and the need to take concrete measures to combat it. Here are some key takeaways from these statistics:
- Domestic violence is not private: the fact that 85% (380.5 million people) of EU citizens do not consider domestic violence to be a private issue shows an important understanding that it should not remain hidden in the family or behind closed doors. This awareness is essential to encourage victims to seek help and to punish abusers.
- The categorical condemnation of violence: 88% of Europeans (394 million people) believe that violence against women and men is “unacceptable and should always be punished by law”, and this underlines a strong consensus on intolerance of violence of gender among EU citizens. This shows the need and support for strong legislative measures to combat violence.
- Condemnation of domestic violence: 98% (438.7 million people) condemn domestic violence against women and 97% against men, which underlines a very high level of disapproval and rejection of this type of violence. This support from citizens is essential to change the perception and culture that allows domestic violence to be perpetuated.
These statistics reflect the commitment of EU societies in the fight against gender-based and domestic violence. They show that citizens are ready to support concrete measures to prevent and combat these forms of violence and to provide support to victims. It is a strong signal to political leaders and organizations working in the field of protecting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence that there is an urgent need for action and the implementation of appropriate policies to protect and support victims and educate society on this serious issue.
However, the amount of violence against women is increasing. AIDRom and its partners in the “SAFE HUT – Creating safe spaces for the empowerment of women and girls” project, CESIE (Italy, coordinator), Centro Penc. Antropologia e Psicologia Geoclinica (Italy), International Rescue Committee Irc (Germany), Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneias Kai Paidiou (Greece), Kovos Su Prekyba Zmonemis Ir Isnaudojimu Centras Vsi (Lithuania), Animus Association Foundation AAF (Bulgaria), engage stakeholders, including organizations, groups and community members, for a collaborative approach to protecting and supporting women and girls at risk of violence or trafficking.
The project partners ensure, among other things, that survivors of trafficking or violence have permanent access to personalized support services, through partnerships and collaborations with specialized service providers. At the same time, #SAFEHUT connects survivors, through WGSS, to essential resources for their journey to healing and independence.
The SAFE HUT project – Creating safe spaces for the empowerment of women and girls (number: 101100732) is “funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are, however, solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.”
Source of information: European Council website, Ending violence against women – Consilium (europa.eu).
