Gender-based and dating violence among youth represents a joint challenge faced by all the European countries. Recent research revealed that one in three women living in EU countries have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse since the age of 15. The broad range of risk factors that contribute to youth violence are addressed through many broader European policies, including those focusing on education, employment, health and well-being, social inclusion and human rights. Violence prevention is also a core foundation of achieving many key youth-focused policies including the EU Youth Strategy, Agenda 2020: the future of the Council of Europe Youth Policy, and the European Union’s Youth in Action Programme. All of those policies cannot be implemented without meaningful participation of youth in all European countries. Working across the region will contribute to visibility, participation and power of young generations in the efforts to build society based on European values, such as solidarity, tolerance and non-violence.
