Tackling Gender-Based Violence as a Hate Crime – A European Perspective
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a global crisis, and addressing it is an essential step toward justice and equality. Yet here in the UK, our judicial system fails to fully recognise gender based violence, including misogyny, as the serious and escalating issue it is. 1 woman is killed every 3 days in the UK and 2 a day across the EU. At the heart of this crisis lies a failure to identify, record, and address gender-based violence (GBV) including misogynistic behaviour early enough. In our judicial system, crimes with a clear GBV element, such as misogyny, are not treated differently or with the seriousness they warrant. The impact of GBV costs our economies £40bn and EU €366bn annually and as of 2024, it has been declared a national emergency.
Evidence shows that misogynistic behaviour is rarely an isolated incident. Instead, it typically follows a troubling pattern of escalation — one that, if unchecked, can lead to violence in relationships and the wider community. Recognising and understanding this pattern is crucial to prevention.
Our campaign calls for the UK to update its laws to ensure that crimes motivated by gender-based violence, such as misogyny, are recognised, monitored, and treated with the gravity they deserve. This includes recognising hatred, discrimination, and hostility committed on the basis of gender and gender identity as aggravating factors during offences and ensuring this is reflected in sentencing.
Aligning with European values and Council of Europe frameworks, such as the Istanbul Convention, this campaign is also an opportunity to reconnect with EU standards. Nations such as Sweden and France already have gender-based hate crime laws. Adopting similar measures would demonstrate the UK’s commitment to tackling VAWG and highlight the benefits of collaboration, addressing a critical gap in our legal framework while advancing shared European goals.
A European Lens on Gender Equality
The EU has long championed gender equality and non-discrimination, as enshrined in its treaties. While existing laws address hate crimes related to race and ethnicity, gender-based hate remains inadequately addressed. A 2021 European Commission proposal seeks to expand the list of EU crimes to include hate speech and hate crime, emphasising the need for a unified legal approach across Member States. This initiative showcases how collaboration can ensure consistent protections for victims—a model from which the UK can draw inspiration.
Gender-based hate crimes, including harassment and hate speech, disproportionately target women and reinforce harmful stereotypes. A 2023 EU study revealed that over a third of online discriminatory posts targeted women, underscoring the urgency of action. By criminalising misogyny as a hate crime, the UK can combat these systemic issues, demonstrate its alignment with progressive European ideals, and champion values that resonate across borders.
For a deeper dive into the issue, including the European legal landscape, check out our fact sheet here and see the latest Eurostat data released today here.
How You Can Support This Campaign
- Participate in our GBV Poll: We are gathering data to inform our policy recommendations and help influence government strategies to combat violence against women and girls. Please take a few minutes to share your experiences of GBV, both as a victim, friend, family member or bystander, by participating in our poll here.
- Explore our Virtual Exhibition: We have partnered with The Starving Artist Studio to create an exhibition featuring over 25 artists from 15+ countries which addresses the urgent issue of GBV. This exhibition seeks to amplify awareness and drive change through visual storytelling, data, and lived experiences. View the exhibition here.
- Watch our Video: YEM UK recently won the Youth Champions category of the EU Empowered Awards, the culmination of the EU Citizen’s Gathering which brought together diplomats, politicians, academics and heads of 125 organisations across our European family. Make sure to check out the video made about YEM here.
- Join YEM and Subscribe to our Newsletter: You can join YEM as a member (under 35s) or as a supporter by becoming a Friend of YEM (for over 35s) and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our activities here.
Let’s show that the United Kingdom remains a leader in upholding European values, including human rights and equality. Together, we can make a difference.
Join us in shaping a future where gender-based violence has no place in society. Together, we can turn shared values into lasting action!
Photographs from our Break the Silence / End the Violence campaign launch at Europe House (above).