Putting gender-based violence at the centre of crisis response strategies.

The risk of gender-based violence increases during crises. Armed conflict, forced displacement and humanitarian emergencies worsen existing inequalities and weaken protection systems, leaving women and girls at greater risk of violence and exploitation.

When communities are disrupted and people are forced from their homes, the risk of sexual violence, forced marriage, trafficking and abuse rises. Armed groups, smugglers and others may exploit the lack of security to target women and girls.

This section highlights EIGE’s recent research on gender-based violence in crisis situations. It explores how different crises shape policy and institutional responses, and provides insights, offering insights into national and EU-level approaches to preventing and addressing gender-based violence.

Who is most at risk of GBV in crises?

Women, children and marginalised groups are especially vulnerable during crises because of existing inequalities, stereotypes and gender norms and unequal access to resources, education, and decision-making.

This vulnerability increases with exposure to intersecting discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, social status, disability, nationality or other.

Types of GBV during crises

Research shows that crises exacerbate the risks of GBV, including sexual violence. 

GBV can occur during and/or after crises in various forms, for example:

  • Conflict-related sexual violence
  • Torture during armed conflict
  • Forced marriage
  • Sexual violence during transit
  • Trafficking in human beings
  • GBV in reception or asylum centres
  • Intimate-partner violence or domestic violence intensified during crises

GBV can take place in the countries of origin, during the migration journey or in reception country. In this section, you can learn more about different forms of GBV in crises and our recent publications and projects.

GBV in migration

Migration to the EU has increased significantly in recent years, driven by conflict, climate change and geopolitical instability. These crises disproportionately impact women and girls, increasing their exposure to GBV.

Find out what laws, policies and frameworks exist in the EU Member States to prevent and respond to GBV in migration – and where the gaps are.

Or learn how strengthening national action plans can protect women and girl migrants, asylum seekers and refugees from GBV in the EU. 

GBV in armed conflict

Armed conflicts expose all civilians to the risk of experiencing conflict-related sexual violence. Women and girls are primarily targeted by conflict-related sexual violence for multiple intersecting reasons.

Learn more about the access to sexual and reproductive health services in the EU for women refugees from Ukraine – or explore the health services in infographics.