Why Europe needs to act earlier to stop violence against women

Across Europe, a wide range of service providers are working to strengthen protection for women facing violence. But the latest EU Gender-Based Violence Survey shows how far we must go: only 21% of women who experienced violence contacted healthcare or social services, just 14% reported it to the police, and only 6% reached out to a helpline.

Many stay silent because of fear, shame or a belief that nothing will change. These findings make one thing clear: protection must begin long before violence escalates.

At a recent meeting, EU equality ministers reaffirmed that tackling violence against women requires more than reacting after a call to emergency services.

They called for stronger emphasis on early detection and intervention, urging communities and institutions to recognise risk and interrupt violence before it escalates.

“Each of us has a role to play in breaking the silence and stopping violence against women,” said Magnus Heunicke, Danish Minister for Equality and the Environment.

“The sooner the intervention, the less the trauma will be”

This shift in emphasis is urgently needed according to Mafalda Ferreira, President of Associação Plano i, a Portuguese NGO supporting victims of gender-based violence.

“Awareness is essential but it is not sufficient. Real prevention involves a combination of structural changes...it requires sustained funding, time, proper measures and political will,” she says.

Mafalda adds that violence can remain hidden because those most at risk have least access to support. And she outlines the three protection gaps that could hold Europe back.

Minority groups, young people and those with disabilities often face additional barriers to reporting. Meaning the cycle of violence continues unchecked. “LGBTI+ victims are often in situations where essential services are not prepared to face them,” says Mafalda.