Reports detail violence against women across Europe, comparing Polish, Spanish, French, Lithuanian, and Czech efforts to combat gender-based abuse.
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Statistics on violence against women in Poland are difficult to obtain, but existing data is alarming; according to the Centre for Women’s Rights, a Polish woman experiences violence every 40 seconds, and reports it to the police every seven minutes. In 2024, domestic violence affected 50,638 women, though the actual scale is likely much larger due to unreported incidents. Femicide, the most extreme form of violence against women and girls, often stems from superiority complexes, misogyny, or control, and in half of cases reported by Femicide in Poland, the perpetrator had a restraining order or a conviction for domestic abuse. Most women killed by partners or ex-partners experienced escalating violence beforehand. Poland ratified the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention in 2015, which obligates states to promote freedom from violence, create support strategies, and effectively punish perpetrators; however, women’s rights organizations argue that violence is often ignored and women are not sufficiently protected by the state. Lack of proper monitoring and complete data hinders effective action and violates international human rights commitments, as Poland fails to submit timely reports required by the Istanbul Convention. Social campaigns like “White Ribbon” and “16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence,” along with initiatives such as One Billion Rising, are being conducted. Past government support included campaigns against sexual violence stigmatization and promoting self-esteem in women. Cyberviolence is increasingly prevalent, with one in three women experiencing it, and nearly 100% of sexual deepfakes target women, particularly young women (14-24), involving hate speech, blackmail, and non-consensual image use. Local foundations are developing solutions like safety apps HomeGirl and Safe YOU. Positive changes have been noted after events such as the film “Dom dobrego,” leading to an increase in calls for help.
Spain is recognized as a European leader in combating violence against women due to prioritizing gender equality, tightening laws regarding sexual consent and gender-based violence, expanding victim protection, and implementing pay gap controls. Since 2004, Spain has supported victims with social, legal, and judicial aid. The country uses VioGén, a computerized system for personalized safety plans monitored by the police, and over one hundred specialized courts handle gender-based violence cases daily. Spain also funds extensive public awareness campaigns, such as “Now Spain is Different” and the “Purple Point” initiative establishing safe spaces. Despite these efforts, in 2024, over 34,000 women were victims of gender-based violence, and there were 94 femicides by men. Issues have also arisen regarding the reliability of electronic monitoring bracelets used to protect victims.
Violence against women remains a serious issue in France; estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of women annually experience physical or sexual violence from partners or ex-partners between 2011 and 2018, with reported domestic violence cases increasing by 83% between 2018 and 2022. While funding for combating violence has increased to over €184 million in 2024, organizations argue this is insufficient. Awareness campaigns exist, such as the Inter Orga Féminicides network tracking femicide statistics, and a government hotline is available. High-profile cases, like the assaults on Gisele Pelicot, have spurred demands for systemic change.
The Czech Republic has not ratified the Istanbul Convention but has implemented alternative measures, including redefining rape in 2024 to include sexual acts against resistance. A government plan aims to increase public awareness and strengthen victim protection, with NGOs leading campaigns like “This is Equality.”
Lithuania is implementing protective measures, notably a 2023 domestic violence protection order allowing police to mandate an alleged abuser leave the home for 15 days without a court verdict if high risk is present. The country also established the National Center for Information on Sexual Violence and funds state-supported help centers offering legal and psychological aid.
