Violence Against Women: The European Union establishes an EU-wide helpline number and calls to end violence against women worldwide
According to the EU, Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the European Commission and High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borrell issued the following statement:
“Violence against women happens in every country. The facts are shocking – in the EU and across the world, one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence. One in five girls today are victims of child sexual abuse. Online violence is on the rise, with one in two young women experiencing gender-based cyber violence.
All forms of violence against women and girls are condemned by the EU. It is unacceptable in the twenty-first century for women and girls to be abused, harassed, raped, mutilated, or forced to marry.
The European Commission proposed new EU rules to combat violence against women, including online, in March of this year. The Commission also announced today the creation of a common EU helpline number for victims of violence against women – 116 016.
EU remain steadfast in its ambition to end violence against women inside and outside the EU. It stands in solidarity with the women and girls, victims and survivors of violence.
EU will continue to support civil society, women’s rights organizations and human rights defenders demanding accountability.”
