Gender-based violence: what is it and how widespread is it? In 1993, the United Nations issued the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which defines the meaning of gender-based violence 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 occurring in public or private life.” Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights violations, touching every corner of the globe, regardless of culture, religion or economic status. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime. This figure translates to more than 736 million women. In Europe, data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights show that 33 percent of European women have experienced physical or sexual violence after the age of 15, while in Italy in 2023 there was one feminicide every three days. However, these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg: many forms of violence go unreported due to fear, social stigma or lack of trust in institutions. Official statistics, therefore, fail to capture the full spectrum of the problem, highlighting the urgency of systemic interventions. Different types of violence Gender-based violence manifests itself in different forms, some visible, others more subtle but no less devastating. The main ones include: Physical violence: this is the most visible form and includes assault and battery. It is often used to intimidate and control the victim. Sexual violence: includes rape, harassment and other forms of sexual abuse. It is a particularly cruel weapon of control, causing deep trauma. Psychological violence: characterized by manipulation, insults, humiliation and isolation, this form of violence undermines the victim's self-esteem and ability to fight back. Economic violence: occurs when a woman is deprived of control over her financial resources, preventing her from working or accessing basic goods. Institutional violence: occurs when institutions, through inadequate laws or discriminatory attitudes, perpetuate the harm and vulnerability of women. Femicide: the killing of a woman because she is a woman represents the most extreme outcome of gender-based violence. All types of violence contribute to a cycle of abuse that is difficult to break, often involving children and communities, creating systemic harm. The consequences of violence on women's lives The repercussions of violence are devastating and extend far beyond the moment of abuse. On the physical level, violence can cause permanent injuries, sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Psychologically, the repercussions are equally severe: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts are common conditions among victims. Psychological violence, in particular, can leave deeper and more lasting emotional scars than physical wounds, progressively eroding the self-esteem and resilience of affected women. Economic impact is another crucial element: many women victims of violence lose job opportunities or find themselves forced out of employment, ending up in a cycle of economic dependency and poverty that further exacerbates their vulnerability. The social consequences of violence include isolation: victims often find themselves ostracized by the community or even family, due to shame or guilt. This isolation not only deprives women of essential support, but also fuels the cycle of violence. These effects combined fuel an intergenerational cycle that harms entire societies, making violence against women not just an individual issue, but a public health and social justice problem. Preventing and countering gender-based violence Preventing and countering gender-based violence requires a multidimensional approach, involving society, institutions and individuals. Some possible actions include: Education and outreach: promote educational programs that teach mutual respect, gender equality and emotional competence. Awareness raising must also include adults to challenge entrenched stereotypes and prejudices. Strengthening laws: laws against gender-based violence must be clear, strict and effectively enforced. In addition, it is crucial to offer victims immediate protection and access to justice. Victim support: shelters, hotlines, and psychological and legal counseling services must be accessible and well-funded. Economic empowerment of women: fostering women's economic independence reduces their vulnerability to violence. This can be done through vocational training programs, microcredit, and policies that support women's employment. Involvement of men: it is essential to involve men in the fight against gender-based violence by promoting positive masculinity models and encouraging their role as allies in change.Our initiatives against gender-based violenceThere are numerous projects we support to prevent gender-based violence and to support women victims of violence. Alongside Donne in Rete (D.i.Re.), we have supported two projects: since 2022 we have contributed to the realization of the Autonomy Fund intended for women victims of violence and exiting Anti-Violence Centers, so as to cover their most important expenses (rent, utilities, essential purchases for their homes or to start small business activities), supporting them on their path to independence and freedom. Together with UNHCR, on the other hand, we protect refugee and asylum-seeking women who have suffered various forms of violence: our help takes the form of support for aid centers that guarantee them access to sexual and reproductive health services through specialists and cultural mediators. We support Fondazione Pangea and the national anti-violence network “REAMA” to expand the operational response capacity for victims and provide for the opening of a new shelter in Calabria (one of the regions most in difficulty) run by women for women. We also supported the Metropolitan Italian Women's Center in Milan in the A vele spiegate project, which offers pathways out of situations of violence by promoting women's autonomy, working on their empowerment and the development of new individual skills expendable in the world of work. In Tuscany, on the other hand, we support Fili intrecciati, Oxfam Italia Intercultura's activity that gives protection to women survivors of violence thanks to a network of anti-violence and anti-trafficking centers, frontline professionals and teachers who can also raise students' awareness of the issue. Violence against women is a global phenomenon that undermines the principles of equality, justice and human dignity. The data show a disturbing but not unchanging reality. Through collective efforts that combine education, legislation, victim support and cultural change, it is possible to build a society in which every woman can live free from fear and violence.
