Work

Is the elimination of violence against women a realistic goal for the near future?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: As 2030 approaches, achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women, appears increasingly unrealistic. Using the European Union as a case study, this Perspective argues that prevalence remains high, progress has stagnated, levels can be disproportionately high in some of the most socioeconomically advanced and gender-equal countries, and prevention efforts seem unable to reach younger generations. Together, these patterns suggest that prevention and response efforts, as implemented to date, have not produced sustained population-level reductions. Achieving measurable declines will require scaling evidence-based prevention with sustained political will and stronger accountability. This Perspective argues that violence against women remains persistently high, in some of the most socioeconomically advanced and gender-equal countries as well. Progress has stagnated and prevention efforts seem unable to reach younger generations.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-74656-y

Author: Enrique Gracia

Institution: Universitat de València

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990