Zero Tolerance on Domestic Violence

Violence against women is defined by the EU as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether in public or in private.”

In the European Union, domestic violence against women remains an alarming phenomenon, and the most consistent and pervasive human rights violation across the region. According to the Council of Europe, one in four women experiences domestic violence at some point in her life, and between 6-10% of women suffer domestic violence in some form in any given year. Despite the progress that the EU has made in terms of raising public awareness and understanding, 78% of respondents in a recent Eurobarometer survey recognised that domestic violence remains a common problem.

Until now, the DAPHNE programme has represented the main instrument through which the EU has sought to combat the issue, and despite the progress made, it remains a problem in all member states. Recently, the European Commission Vice President, Jacques Barrot, defined domestic violence as a violation of a fundamental right in Europe – this sent a positive signal towards creating a new strategy and some promising developments are currently under discussion, such as a new European Observatory which would collect and share data on domestic violence and an EU-wide hotline to help victims.

Within the current EU regulatory framework, domestic violence does not exist as an independent issue but is linked to other policy areas such as public health, fundamental rights and gender equality. Because of its complexity, this pervasive issue requires a more cohesive EU-wide strategy to prevent violence and protect women. The creation of minimum standards for the tackling, preventing and punishing of domestic violence in Europe are the subject of a forthcoming EU feasibility study. In addition, other social policy areas such as the mental and physical health of victims and the contributing factors such as alcoholism, substance abuse and poverty should be effectively addressed and managed at EU level.

This timely International Symposium continues the debate on how to work towards an EU-wide strategy on domestic violence. It will provide a platform for the discussion of a better European regulatory framework aimed at strengthening the 3 P’s – prevention, protection and prosecution. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate whilst sharing best practices and lessons learned.