A new survey has revealed that nearly one in three women in the European Union have suffered from violence, either in their homes, workplaces, or public spaces.
However, only a quarter of these women report such incidents to the authorities. The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2024 by Eurostat, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), was published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The findings show that the highest rates of women experiencing physical violence, threats, or sexual violence were recorded in Finland (57 percent), Sweden (53 percent), and Hungary (49 percent). In contrast, Bulgaria (12 percent), Poland (17 percent), and Czechia and Portugal (20 percent) reported the lowest rates.
“Violence against women is rooted in control, dominance and inequality,” said Carlien Scheele, Director of EIGE. She emphasized that “when a gendered perspective is integrated into prevention measures, services and authorities, then we can expect to see more women coming forward, trusting that they will receive the support they need. Every woman has a right to be safe — everywhere.”
The survey also highlighted that 42 percent of young women aged 18-29 reported experiencing sexual harassment at work, the highest of any age group. Many women do not report incidents of violence due to fear of retribution, social stigma, or a lack of trust in institutions. In some cases, victims fear they will not be believed or will face exclusion from their communities, especially in more traditional societies.
