Early intervention, support networks key for domestic violence sufferers

With one in three women having experienced physical or sexual violence in the EU, awareness-raising and in-community training is key to helping those at risk access support, with various projects being rolled out across Europe.

One in five women has experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence from either a current or previous partner, according to the most comprehensive EU-level survey on violence against women to date, based on interviews with 42,000 women from all 28 member states as of 2012.

At the same time, almost half have experienced some form of controlling or psychologically abusive behaviour in a relationship, the survey found.

Official statistics fall short of representing the actual prevalence of violence against women, as the EU’s Gender Equality Index highlights, meaning the real figures of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) survey are likely considerably higher.

Multiple studies show that psychological abuse and controlling behaviour are often a precursor to physical violence.

Data from the FRA survey shows that 43% of women experience some form of psychological abuse in their lifetimes, defined in the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention as “any intentional course of conduct that seriously impairs another person’s psychological integrity through coercion or threats”.

Women who are under 30, have a disability or health condition, are non-heterosexual or have a migrant background experience psychological violence at a higher rate than the general population, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

Seeking help

“Awareness raising is a fundamental component of primary prevention strategies,” the EIGE reported, adding that it is key to changing beliefs that normalise domestic violence; preventing men and women from becoming victims or perpetrators of abusive relationships and informing the wider public about resources available.

Almost one in five women are unaware of support services available to women in their country, according to the FRA study, while almost two in five indicated that they know of other women who are victims of domestic violence in their circle of friends and family, and one in five know of someone in their place of work or study.

Violence goes unreported for a variety of reasons, including financial dependence on the perpetrator, doubting legal system support for victims, and fear of retaliation or child custody costs.

Stigma and the lack of social and formal support networks also play a key role – factors which are the focus of several ongoing EU- and national-level campaigns.