Women continue to be under-represented in EU countries at all levels of political decision-making as well as in political parties. The origins of this situation are complex, but one reason stands out: violence against women active in politics discourages many women from entering the political arena. Women politicians are exposed to two severe and intersecting forms of violence: political violence and gender-based violence. Violence against women in politics takes multiple forms, from physical attacks to psychological and symbolic abuse, including sexual and sexist comments, online hate speech and sexual harassment, etc.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Violence against women active in politics in the EU: A serious obstacle to political participation

Weil sie noch so jung sind, ist gerade bei Kindern die Gefahr sehr hoch, dass sie Gewalt ausgesetzt sind. Deshalb müssen sie immer und überall geschützt werden. Dazu unternimmt die EU so einiges

Das tut Europa für minderjährige Opfer von Gewalt

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

An EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey found that one third of women in the EU have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15. That means 62 million women.

 
Violence against women can be addressed through a fundamental rights lens. It is a violation of human dignity and, in its worst form, it violates the right to life. It is also an extreme expression of inequality on the grounds of sex.

Violence against women - 8th Parliamentary term

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.

The European Parliament first sounded the alarm about the problem of violence against women in a resolution of 11 June 1986. Since then, Parliament has played a particularly important role in the field, including through the work of its Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). As of October 2020, it has been signed by all EU Member States, and ratified by 21.

Violence against women (2019-2020)

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

As Israel intensifies ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, around 100 Israeli hostages remain unaccounted for, and casualty numbers in Gaza continue to rise. In response to the conflict, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel. High Representative Borrell has emphasized the EU's commitment to prevent a regional war. MEPs have previously called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access, with reports from the Gaza Health Ministry indicating that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel's response to the attack by Hamas.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs are also expected to request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence.

The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. With a commitment to prioritizing equality, MEPs will urge the Commission to ensure effective transposition of these rules across member states, highlighting the necessity for accessible healthcare, sheltered accommodations for victims, and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding consent and non-consensual acts.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

FEMM - Hearing: Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the responsibilities of platforms

EP Plenary session - Rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Hearing on Image based sexual violence in the context of AI and social media specifically exploring the role of undressing apps and the

FEMM

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Exchange of views with Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Press conference by Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

Elimination of violence against women and their empowerment in the digital world

Press conference by Frances FITZGERALD and Evin INCIR, co-rapporteurs, Robert BIEDROŃ FEMM Chair and Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR, LIBE Chair on Violence against women

Press conference by Frances FITZGERALD,  Evin INCIR rapporteurs  and other lead MEP's on Violence against women: update on the state of negotiations by the negotiators

Press conference by Frances FITZGERALD and Evin INCIR, co-rapporteurs on combating violence against women and domestic violence

Press conference by Arba KOKALARI and Łukasz KOHUT, rapporteurs on the EU ratification of Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women

Towards a European Framework on Gender-Based Violence: Reflections on the Directive Proposal

Press conference by Věra JOUROVA, EC Vice-President for Values and Transparency and Helena DALLI, Commissioner for Equality on combating violence against women and domestic violence

Press conference by Pina PICIERNO, Luisa REGIMENTI, Brando BENIFEI, Antonio TAJANI on International women’s day: stepping up the fight against intimate partner violence and feminicide

"Council and Commission statements - EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence"

Anwendung der internationalen Standards für die Definition von sexueller Gewalt durch Spanien in Anbetracht des aktuellen Falles „La Manada“

Spain's application of international standards on the definition of sexual violence in light of the recent 'La Manada' case

Die Bekämpfung von Gewalt gegen Frauen und Mädchen und die Ratifizierung des Übereinkommens von Istanbul durch die EU-Mitgliedstaaten (Aussprache)

The fight against violence against women and girls and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by EU Member States (debate)

Beitritt der EU zum Übereinkommen des Europarates zur Verhütung und Bekämpfung von Gewalt gegen Frauen und häuslicher Gewalt (Aussprache)

EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (debate)

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality / Global perspective: freedom from violence as empowerment pre-condition

Die vor Kurzem erfolgte teilweise Entkriminalisierung von häuslicher Gewalt in Russland (Aussprache)

Recent partial decriminalisation of domestic violence in Russia (debate)

Beitritt der EU zum Übereinkommen von Istanbul zur Verhütung und Bekämpfung von Gewalt gegen Frauen (Aussprache)

EU accession to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women (debate)

FEMM - Exchange of views with Pramila Patten, Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Under-Secretary-General

FEMM Committee - Istanbul Convention - presentation by GREVIO (Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence)

Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly - Exchange of views on Sharing international responsibility for protecting victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Press conference on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

FEMM & D-BR - Exchange of Views in association with EP Delegation for Relations with Brazil on Women in Politics and the Fight Against Violence

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

EP Plenary session - Escalation of gang violence in Sweden and strengthening the fight against organised crime

EP Plenary session - Situation of female politicians in EU candidate and neighbouring countries facing harassment and cyber violence

EP Plenary session - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Interrnational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. European Parliament building in Strasbourg lights up in orange

Interrnational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. Orange flag displayed outside the EP building in Brussels and Strasbourg.

EP Plenary session - Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans

EP Plenary session - Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon

EP Plenary session - Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence

EP Plenary session - Session Commission statement - Rising anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence: recent attacks in Thessaloniki

Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), Chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hold a press conference on combating sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and beyond. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Hilde VAUTMANS (RE, BE), Chair of UE/ACP delegation and Denis MUKWEGE, 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on combating sexual violence in the DRC and beyond

MEPs discuss on Monday the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 1

The European Parliament's building in Strasbourg lights up in orange for the International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women.Orange flag in front of the European Parliament buildings.

International Day for the Elimination of violence against Women: orange flags and lights at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate on the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November). MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights. In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: extracts from the debate

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: MEPs Debate part 2

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women during the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: closing statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

With hate speech and hate crime consistently rising in Europe, the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza has prompted a surge in islamophobic and anti-Semitic incidents across member states, according to media and civil society reports. MEPs discuss the deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans. MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: MEPs debate

Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans: opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 2)

Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: MEPs debate (part 1)

Closing statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Parliament assesses the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with the European Commission. The news features highlights from the debate reflecting on the events and their aftermath. It includes the opening statement by High Representative of the Union Josep Borrell Fontelles. The debate covers various perspectives on the right to self-defense, the role of international humanitarian law, calls for the protection of civilians and addresses the role of the European Union in the current situation in the Middle East.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: extracts from the debate with the participation of Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union and Vice-President of the European Commission

Opening statements by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Parliament evaluates the escalating violence in the Middle East and the latest developments in Lebanon with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. This discussion follows the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis on 7 October 2023, and which has since triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza and broader regional instability. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon: opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, on the "Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe" debate. MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence. The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe: Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence. The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe: MEPs debate

Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, on the "Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe" debate. MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence. The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe: Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

Friedensnobelpreisträger Denis Mukwege spricht sich gegen Vergewaltigung und Gewalt gegen Frauen als Kriegswaffe aus. Er ist der Gründer des Panzi Hospitals in Bukavu, Demokratische Republik Kongo. Als Gynäkologe half er Tausenden Opfern sexueller und geschlechtsspezifischer Gewalt in seinem Land. Im Jahr 2014 verlieh ihm das Europäische Parlament den Sacharow-Preis für geistige Freiheit. Vier Jahre später wurde er mit dem Friedensnobelpreis ausgezeichnet. Nach wie vor engagiert er sich für die Aufklärung der Öffentlichkeit über sexuelle Gewalt gegen Frauen in bewaffneten Konflikten. *Sehen Sie sich die vollständige Rede im Multimedia-Zentrum des Europäischen Parlaments an: http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechMukwege

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