With domestic violence one of the most widespread violations of women’s human rights across the world one in every five women said they have experienced physical violence at least once during their adult lives, with one in 10 having suffered sexual violence the European Parliament is still trying to find ways to stop it. A recent hearing which brought together MEPs and leaders of non-governmental organisations, organised by the Committee of Women’s Rights, is part of the Council of Europe‘s Stop Domestic Violence Against Women initiative and is designed to raise awareness of its seriousness and look at ways of prevention.

Rights advocates said the act of domestic violence can take many guises including physical and sexual acts. Less well known are the countless examples of psychological violence against women which can be demeaning, belittling and undermine self esteem. The campaign aims to raise awareness of not only serious acts of violence but also threats of violence. MEP Anna Zaborska of the Czech Republic, Chairwoman of the Women’s Rights Committee echoed this objective.

“By domestic violence we mean violence or the threat of physical, psychological or sexual violence,“ she said. She quoted former Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt’s recent speech to the European Parliament which appealed for people to “build a new civilisation of love.“