Ending the Blame Game – How Ireland Can Lead in Tackling Gender-Based Violence
A recent survey conducted by the European Commission offers a sobering reminder of the work still needed to combat violence against women and the stereotypes that enable it. While Ireland demonstrates leadership in rejecting some forms of abuse, harmful attitudes remain entrenched in other areas.
The survey paints a stark picture of the attitudes toward violence against women and gender-based stereotypes across the EU, including Ireland, the findings highlight not only the prevalence of harmful beliefs but also the urgent need for cultural and educational reform to address these issues at their roots.
The survey, part of a Eurobarometer poll, involved over 25,800 respondents across the 27 EU member states, with more than 1,000 participants from Ireland. Its findings demonstrate that while progress has been made in many areas, entrenched attitudes continue to perpetuate inequality and violence against women.
Consent, Culture, and Change – Why Education is Key to Tackling Gender-Based Violence
One of the most concerning findings is that 13% of Irish respondents believe women bear some responsibility for being sexually assaulted while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although below the EU average of 16%, this statistic underscores a persistent culture of victim-blaming. Alarmingly, these views are even more pronounced in countries like Latvia, where nearly half of respondents (46%) share this belief.
The survey also revealed that 20% of Irish people believe women often fabricate or exaggerate claims of abuse or rape, surpassing the EU average of 17%. This distrust of victims hinders efforts to create an environment where survivors feel safe to report abuse.
Further unsettling is the fact that 8% of Irish respondents think it is acceptable for a man to occasionally slap his wife or girlfriend — the sixth-highest rate in the EU. These numbers are compounded by the finding that 18% believe it is acceptable to catcall or whistle at women, normalising behaviours that demean and objectify women.
Cultural Shifts Needed
Some findings hint at progress. For example, Ireland leads the EU in rejecting financial coercion, with 77% of respondents disagreeing that it is acceptable for a man to control his partner’s finances. However, other forms of coercive control remain concerningly normalised, with 11% of Irish people finding it acceptable for men to monitor their partners’ activities or relationships.
These mixed results illustrate a deep cultural divide. While there is widespread recognition of certain types of abuse, other behaviors remain entrenched in societal norms.
The Role of Education
This survey makes it clear that action is needed now, more than ever. Harmful attitudes are not just reflections of individual ignorance – they are systemic issues reinforced by cultural norms, media portrayals, and the absence of comprehensive education on gender equality.
As an advocate for change, I firmly believe that we must begin this work in schools. Education on consent, respect, and healthy relationships must start as early as possible. By embedding these lessons in our curriculums, we can shape the beliefs of future generations and dismantle the stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence.
This education cannot wait another decade. Children and teenagers need tools to understand and challenge harmful behaviours before they become ingrained. Programmes addressing consent and respect have been shown to reduce incidences of violence and foster healthier relationships later in life.
The European Commission highlighted that gender-based stereotypes and violence are substantial obstacles to equality and human rights. Societal norms that normalise or excuse these behaviors lead to discrimination, victimisation, and the marginalisation of women.
One particularly distressing finding from the survey is that nearly a third of Irish respondents (32%) believe women are at least partially responsible if intimate images they shared are distributed without consent. This figure, though among the lowest in the EU, highlights the urgent need for societal and legislative measures to protect victims of online abuse.
While a majority of EU citizens reject the sexualisation and objectification of women in personal contexts, there is significantly more tolerance for such portrayals in advertising. This discrepancy reflects the pervasive influence of media and advertising in shaping societal attitudes, necessitating stronger regulatory frameworks to challenge harmful depictions.
Addressing these issues demands stronger legislation, better support for survivors, and, crucially, comprehensive education. By teaching young people about respect, consent, and equality, we can challenge the stereotypes and behaviors that perpetuate violence and discrimination.
If we do not demand better for our children, starting with education on healthy relationships and respect, we are staring down the barrel of a future marred by more sexual violence, rising incarceration rates among young men, increasing rates of femicide, and a deeply fractured society. Ensuring this generation grows up with the tools to build a culture of equality and safety isn’t just about protecting individuals, it’s about safeguarding the very fabric of our communities. The time to act is now.
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