Elimination of violence against women: tackling a global crisis

Globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. This will come under many forms, including intimate partner violence and online violence, meaning non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyber stalking, cyber harassment and incitement to hatred and violence on the basis of gender.

Despite its prevalence, gender-based violence remains a severely underreported issue. According to a 2024 survey from the European Union’s Fundamental Rights Agency, home is not always safe for many women: 1 in 5 have faced physical or sexual violence from their partner, a relative or another member of their household. 

The European Union's response

Through Horizon Europe, the EU aims to revolutionise the way domestic violence is reported and empower first responders, such as police officers and healthcare professionals, to improve their support to victims.

Eliminating online violence

The internet is increasingly central in how violence is perpetrated. The VIGILANT project examines online misogyny and gendered disinformation, analysing how harmful content is created, spread and amplified. These insights will feed into new tools to help detect harmful online behaviour and support law enforcement in responding to digital threats.

From theory to practice: empowering first responders

Domestic violence is often surrounded by stigma, and cultural context plays a significant role in determining how victims report their experiences. Some police forces prioritise domestic violence cases, while others require in-person reporting, often with limited specialist support. 

The Horizon 2020 project IMPRODOVA identified gaps in frontline responses and highlighted the need for specialised training. Its findings were shared with police officers, teachers and law students to help ensure victims are supported and crimes are properly documented. 

Using AI for domestic violence reporting

Building on IMPRODOVA's success, the Horizon Europe project IMPROVE aims to empower victims – especially those from marginalised groups. By using AI tools, IMPROVE will create tools to report, detect and support cases of domestic violence. A conversational AI assistant will offer guidance, risk assessment and information about victims’ rights, integrating survivor-led input to improve the service over time.

Detecting and preventing domestic violence early on

The Horizon Europe Innovative Solutions to Eliminate Domestic Abuse (ISEDA) project combines technology, social sciences and practitioner expertise to improve early detection and protection. 

The project will develop training for police officers, tools to support victims in reporting abuse and methods to produce court-admissible evidence. Public awareness campaigns and perpetrator programmes will also help prevent reoffending.

Tackling gender-based violence in EU research institutions

Gender-based violence in research institutions is often overlooked. Sofia Strid, project coordinator of the Horizon Europe UniSAFE project, noted that “Academia is not just any other workplace – it’s a hotpot of power and authority and hierarchy, structured by age, gender and other inequalities.”

UniSAFE investigated the prevalence, impacts and drivers of gender-based violence in research organisations, and developed a comprehensive framework built around the 7Ps: prevalence, prevention, protection, prosecution, partnerships, provision of services and policy.
Its outputs include a practical assessment tool and action plan that any institution can adopt to strengthen prevention and response systems.

Through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, UniSAFE set a significant precedent for tackling violence in European research institutions.

Further information

Ending violence against women requires coordinated efforts from governments, organisations and individuals. By supporting projects such as IMPRODOVA, IMPROVE, ISEDA and VIGILANT, the EU is helping build safer communities both online and offline.

25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - an important moment to collectively raise awareness and reaffirm our commitment to ending this critical issue. The EU is committed to tackling gender-based violence, today and every day.