Gender-based violence costs Europe billions; awareness campaigns need deeper educational and cultural change for real prevention.
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International awareness campaigns using purple are used to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th, featuring messages about women’ rights and support for victims across Europe. Despite these efforts, two women are killed daily by partners or family members in the European Union, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Gender-based violence presents not only social and public health issues but also a significant economic burden of 366 billion euros annually in the EU, with gender-based violence accounting for 79% of this cost. The largest financial impact stems from physical and emotional harm (56%), followed by criminal justice procedures (21%) and lost economic productivity (14%). Violence against women is a broad concept encompassing various forms, such as sexual or psychological attacks, perpetrated by family, partners, or strangers, making effective action complex. While European countries implement national strategies—such as France’s “zero tolerance” or Spain’s initiatives—advocacy groups stress the need for more than superficial media campaigns, emphasizing investment in education and research. Experts note that while Europe has made progress from focusing on victim protection to a preventative approach following policies like the Istanbul Convention (2014), institutional efforts remain insufficient. For instance, despite increased funding in some countries, advocacy groups argue that minimum required budgets are not being met, and campaigns often lack depth regarding the root causes of inequality. Countries like Lithuania have implemented preventive measures such as protection orders, while NGOs continue to play a vital role in awareness through annual campaigns.
