25 November 2024

Ending gender-based violence starts with prevention. Prevention is key to break the vicious circle that perpetuates violence. Protection ensures safeguarding the immediate well-being of victims-survivors. Together with prosecution and co-ordinated policies, these four pillars form a powerful framework for creating a safer, more equitable world for all.

With the accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention on 1 October 2023, and the adoption of the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence in May 2024, the EU underlined its commitment to end gender-based violence. The EU’s commitment extends to enacting and rigorously enforcing laws that protect women from various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and human trafficking.

Together with the entirety of the EU Acquis and all relevant international and European standards, legislation sets the basis for our efforts to prevent gender-based violence and protect victims-survivors, not just inside the EU, but also in our external action.