The Council of Europe Istanbul Convention defines violence against women as “a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women” and recognises that it both results from and reinforces historically unequal power relations between women and men. The European Union has strengthened this approach through Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, recognising gender-based violence as a serious obstacle to equality, health, safety, and democratic participation. Although anyone can experience violence, women and girls are disproportionately affected because gender-based violence is rooted in unequal power relations, discrimination and harmful gender stereotypes. It can occur in intimate relationships, families, workplaces, schools, online spaces and public settings. It affects people of every age, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability status, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. Violence is not a private matter. It is a violation of fundamental human rights and has profound consequences for victims, families, communities and society as a whole. European institutions recognise gender-based violence as both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality, requiring coordinated prevention, protection, prosecution and support measures.