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. Gender-based violence against women takes many forms, including intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation. 

Despite its prevalence, violence against women remains a severely underreported issue. The Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union's 2024 survey revealed that home is not always safe for many women: 1 in 5 women have faced physical or sexual violence from their partner, a relative, or another member of their household. The statistics are alarming, and it is essential to address this issue in a comprehensive and multi-faceted manner.

The European Union's response

The European Union, through its research funding instrument Horizon Europe, aims to revolutionise the way domestic violence is reported, support victims in seeking help and collecting evidence, and raise awareness about the issue. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, the EU seeks to empower first-responders, such as police officers and healthcare professionals, to better support victims of domestic violence.

From theory to practice: empowering first responders

Domestic violence is often shrouded in stigma, and cultural context plays a significant role in determining how victims report their experiences. The 2022 Eurostat report highlights the varying approaches of responders across EU countries, with some police forces prioritising domestic violence cases, while others require victims to visit the station in person, often with limited support. 

The Horizon 2020 project IMPRODOVA investigated the procedures for responding to domestic violence cases, emphasising the need for specialised training for practitioners. The project's findings were disseminated to law students, police officers, and teachers, equipping them with the necessary tools to support victims and report crimes.

Using AI for domestic violence reporting

Building on IMPRODOVA's success, the Horizon Europe project IMPROVE aims to empower victims of domestic violence by providing them with information about their rights and how to exercise them. The project focuses on marginalised communities and seeks to accelerate policy outcomes. 

By leveraging AI technology, IMPROVE will develop tools for reporting, detecting, and bringing justice to victims of domestic violence. A conversational AI chatbot will provide advice, risk assessment, and guidance to victims, continually improving through data inputs from survivors.

Detecting and preventing domestic violence early on

Innovative Solutions to Eliminate Domestic Abuse (ISEDA), funded under Horizon Europe, aims to combine cutting-edge technologies and practices from social sciences, humanities, and expertise from the field. ISEDA will develop training programs for police officers, support victims in reporting domestic violence, and provide court-proof evidence and records. Awareness-raising campaigns and perpetrator programs will also be implemented to improve public understanding and reduce recidivism rates.

Tackling gender-based violence in EU research institutions

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

That is exactly what UniSAFE addressed: comprehending the contexts of gender-based violence in academia, gathering evidence of its prevalence and effects, understanding its causes, and implementing effective countermeasures. But the project sought to go beyond short-term interventions, taking a holistic approach to instances of violence in order to enact institutional change. This approach was built around the ‘7Ps’: prevalence, prevention, protection, prosecution, partnerships, provision of services, and policy.

“One of the many key outcomes is our assessment framework and tool, which serves as a starting point for any institution. The toolkit also provides a roadmap, an action plan and protocol for addressing GBV,” remarks Strid. Through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, UniSAFE has set a significant precedent for tackling violence in European research institutions.

Further information

The elimination of violence against women requires a collective effort from governments, organisations, and individuals. By supporting projects like IMPRODOVA, IMPROVE, and ISEDA, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for victims of domestic violence. 

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