Understanding Gender-Based Violence in European Higher Education

Gender-based violence (GBV), encompassing psychological, physical, sexual, and economic harm rooted in gender norms and power imbalances, remains a pervasive challenge within Europe's universities and research institutions. Surveys like the landmark UniSAFE project, which polled respondents across 46 universities and research organizations in 15 European countries including Belgium, Germany, France, and the UK, revealed that 62% of participants had experienced at least one form of GBV since joining their institution. Psychological violence topped the list at 57%, followed by sexual harassment at 31%, physical violence at 6%, and sexual violence at 3%. Women reported rates of 66%, while non-binary individuals faced the highest at 74% for most forms, underscoring the disproportionate impact on marginalized genders.

These figures highlight how GBV undermines academic freedom, career progression, and institutional integrity. In higher education settings, where hierarchical structures and precarious employment amplify vulnerabilities, victims often endure retaliation, career derailment, or institutional silence. Recent EU-wide data reinforces this: one in three women has faced physical or sexual violence, with underreporting rampant due to fear or lack of trust. As Europe pushes for a safer European Research Area (ERA), initiatives like the recent CEPS event signal a turning point.

CEPS and GenderSAFE Unite for a Safer ERA

The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), in partnership with the EU-funded GenderSAFE project, hosted the event "A Safer ERA: Strengthening National Frameworks Against Gender-Based Violence" on March 19, 2026. This gathering spotlighted an EU-wide mapping of national policies tackling GBV in higher education and research, drawing policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders.

Key speakers included Maria Pilar Aguar Fernandez from the European Commission, Marcela Linková co-chairing the ERA Forum sub-group, and representatives from Austria's Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research, Ireland's Higher Education Authority, Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The agenda covered report presentations, the launch of GenderSAFE's Institutional Self-Assessment Tool, and discussions on aligning national efforts with EU standards.

This event builds on GenderSAFE's mission to bridge policy gaps through zero-tolerance advocacy, fostering mutual learning across borders. It emphasized how recent advances in equality policies face new contests, urging coordinated action for equitable campuses.

Insights from the GenderSAFE National Policy Monitoring Report

Central to the event was the launch of GenderSAFE's national policy monitoring report, offering a comparative overview of how EU countries address GBV in academia. While specific findings were previewed, it highlights trends like varying legal mandates, implementation gaps, and alignment with the EU's 2024 Zero-Tolerance Code of Conduct. Common strengths include dedicated reporting mechanisms in countries like Austria and Spain, but challenges persist in monitoring, victim support, and intersectional approaches considering race, disability, or LGBTQ+ status.

For instance, Austria's framework integrates GBV into science ministry guidelines, mandating prevention training. Ireland's Higher Education Authority enforces institutional policies with funding ties. Poland and Spain showcase mixed progress, with recent ministerial pushes for comprehensive strategies. The report advocates for standardized data collection and cross-border learning to close these disparities.

The EU Zero-Tolerance Code of Conduct: A Game-Changer

Launched in 2024 by the European Commission, the Zero-Tolerance Code of Conduct sets a benchmark for countering GBV, including sexual harassment, in the EU research and innovation system. It defines GBV broadly—covering verbal, physical, sexual, economic, and cyber forms—and commits signatories to prevention (awareness training), protection (safe reporting), prosecution support, and policy integration.

Institutions pledging to the code must establish confidential advisors, bystander intervention programs, and accountability measures. Over 100 organizations have signed, but uptake varies. GenderSAFE complements this with practical tools, urging universities to embed it in hiring, mobility schemes, and governance for safer environments.

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Prevalence and Forms of GBV: UniSAFE Survey Breakdown

The UniSAFE survey, conducted across diverse European institutions, provides granular data. Here's a snapshot:

• Psychological violence: 57% (e.g., intimidation, isolation tactics).
• Sexual harassment: 31% (unwanted advances, explicit imagery).
• Economic violence: 10% (career sabotage via grading or funding denial).
• Physical/sexual violence: Lower but devastating, with long-term mental health impacts.

Students and early-career researchers face heightened risks due to power dynamics with supervisors. Intersectionality amplifies harm for migrant, disabled, or queer scholars.

Underreporting stems from low institutional confidence—only a fraction pursue formal complaints fearing reprisals.

National Variations: Lessons from Key Countries

Europe's mosaic of policies reveals progress and pitfalls. Austria mandates GBV modules in research ethics training, with dedicated ombudspersons. Ireland ties compliance to national funding, post-#IBelieveHer movement reforms. Poland grapples with fragmented laws but advances via ministerial audits. Spain's Organic Law on Comprehensive Protection integrates GBV into university statutes, emphasizing victim-centered support.

Yet gaps endure: Northern countries excel in data tracking, while Southern/Eastern lag in prosecution linkages. The CEPS event called for harmonization, proposing ERA-wide benchmarks.

Institutional Tools: Empowering Change with Self-Assessments

GenderSAFE's Institutional Self-Assessment Tool revolutionizes responses. Based on the 7P model (prevention, protection, prosecution, provision of services, partnerships, policy, and pursuit of justice), it guides teams through reflective questions across six maturity stages—from nascent efforts to full institutionalization.

Users generate spider graphs, maturity profiles, and tailored recommendations, fostering internal dialogue. Repeat assessments track progress, with anonymized aggregates informing EU trends. Try the tool here for proactive leadership.

Challenges: Power Dynamics, Underreporting, and Retaliation

GBV thrives in academia's opacity. Supervisors wield outsized influence, stifling complaints. Precarious contracts deter early-career staff. Online harassment surges with digital collaboration. Cultural norms in some regions minimize non-physical forms, exacerbating isolation.

• Low reporting: Victims cite distrust (60% in UniSAFE).
• Career fallout: Demotions, grant denials post-disclosure.
• Intersectional blind spots: Migrant women face compounded xenophobia.

Solutions demand cultural shifts: mandatory training, independent audits, and whistleblower protections.

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Success Stories and Case Studies from European Campuses

France's post-#MeToo audits at Sorbonne led to dedicated GBV cells. Sweden's Uppsala University halved reports via bystander programs. In the UK, Oxford's policy overhaul integrated intersectionality, boosting disclosures by 40%. These cases prove proactive stances yield safer, more productive environments.

Stakeholders—from student unions to faculty unions—advocate alliances, as seen in GenderSAFE's Community of Practice with 141 members across 27 countries.

Path Forward: Recommendations and Future Outlook

The CEPS event outlined actionable steps: Embed GBV in ERA Pact, fund monitoring tools, train leaders on intersectionality. Institutions should adopt self-assessments, pledge zero-tolerance, and link policies to higher ed jobs criteria.

With EU surveys signaling escalation, 2026 heralds momentum. Safer campuses boost retention, innovation, and appeal for global talent. Researchers eyeing Europe can leverage platforms like Rate My Professor for insights into supportive departments, while exploring university jobs with robust protections.

Commit to change: Sign the GenderSAFE pledge and advocate internally. A violence-free ERA awaits those prioritizing equity.