Violence against women is an affront to human dignity

Statement by Maria Arena, Chair of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, to mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.

"Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today but it is still largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it. It is therefore of the utmost importance that states collect and utilize data on violence against women, as is prescribed by law. This is a key pillar of the strategy to counter violence against women.