FLASH EUROBAROMETER 544

©Adobe Stock

Gender
stereotypes –
violence against
women
EUROBAROMETER REPORT
FEBRUARY 2024
Survey conducted by Ipsos European Public Affairs at the request of the European Commission,
Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers
Survey coordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication
(DG COMM “Media Monitoring and Eurobarometer” Unit)

This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations
and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

Project title Flash Eurobarometer 544

Gender stereotypes – violence against women
Report
EN
Catalogue number DS-09-24-229-EN-N
ISBN 978-92-68-14494-7
doi:10.2838/982236

© European Union, 2024

https://europa.eu/eurobarometer
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Table of contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Main findings .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. Sexualisation and objectification of women ...................................................................................................................... 5
2. Women and consent ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
3. Abuse and rape ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4. Cyberviolence ................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5. Power and control in relationships ....................................................................................................................................... 19
6. Domestic violence .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
7. Intimate partner violence .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Technical specifications ......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Questionnaire .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Data annex ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Introduction
Gender-based stereotypes and violence against Notes
women present substantial obstacles to the  Survey results are subject to sampling
advancement of equality and human rights. tolerances meaning that not all apparent
These issues affect societal norms, behaviours differences between countries and socio-
and attitudes, frequently resulting in demographic groups may be statistically
discrimination, victimisation and marginalisation significant. Thus, only differences that are
of women. Consequently, challenging gender statistically significant (at the 5% level) – i.e.
stereotypes and ending gender-based violence
where it can be reasonably certain that they
are key objectives of the Gender Equality
are unlikely to have occurred by chance – are
Strategy 2020-2025. 1
highlighted in the text.
In this context, a flash Eurobarometer survey was  Survey data are weighted to marginal age by
conducted with the aim of gaining a better gender population distributions using post-
understanding of attitudes of EU citizens stratification weighting. The EU27 are
towards violence, and relativisation of violent or weighted according to the size of the 18+
humiliating behaviours. population of each region/ country.
On behalf of the European Commission,  Percentages may not add up to 100%, as
Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, they are rounded to the nearest percent. Due
Ipsos European Public Affairs interviewed a to rounding, it may also happen that the
representative sample of EU citizens, aged 18 percentages for separate response options
and over, in each of the 27 Member States of the do not exactly add up to the totals
European Union. Between 21 and 28 February mentioned in the text.
2024, 25 835 interviews were conducted via  In this report, countries are referred to by
computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI),
their official abbreviation. The abbreviations
using Ipsos online panels and their partner
used in this report are indicated below.
network.

1
Gender equality strategy - European Commission
(europa.eu)

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Main findings
Sexualisation and objectification of women  Similarly, 80% of respondents, on average,
disagree that, if a woman suffers sexual
Sexualisation and objectification of women in
personal situations is seen as unacceptable by violence while under the influence of
majorities across the EU, while there is much alcohol or drugs, she is at least partially
more acceptance for sexualisation and responsible, with 4% who ‘totally agree’
objectification of women in advertising. and 12% who ‘tend to agree’.

 More than eight in ten respondents (82%), on  Across the Member States, between 67%
average across the EU, reply that it is and 91% of respondents disagree with the
unacceptable for men to body gaze, statement ‘faced with a sexual proposal, if a
ogle, catcall or whistle at women. More woman says ‘no’, she oſten means ‘yes’ but
than three-quarters (78%) find it she is playing ‘hard to get’’. In 17 of the 27
unacceptable for men to make Member States, more than two-thirds of
suggestive comments or allusions about respondents disagree that a woman is at
least partially responsible if she suffers
a female colleague's appearance at
sexual violence while under the influence of
work. Across all Member States, majorities
alcohol or drugs.
find these behaviours unacceptable.
 Women are more likely than men to disagree
 Much less, about six in ten respondents
with the two statements about consent. For
(59%), reply that displaying images of
the statement ‘faced with a sexual proposal,
women with sexual connotation in
if a woman says ‘no’, she oſten means ‘yes’
advertising is unacceptable. At the but she is playing ‘hard to get’’, the
individual country level, this proportion difference is the largest for respondents
varies between 34% in Czechia and 72% in aged 18-24: 89% of young women disagree
Portugal. vs 74% of young men (a difference of 15
 Women are less likely than men to accept percentage points).
sexualisation and objectification, with the Abuse and rape
largest difference between women and men
seen for displaying images of women with Respondents across the EU disagree that women
sexual connotation in advertising: 69% of oſten make up or exaggerate claims of abuse or
women find this unacceptable, compared to rape. Sex without consent in a relationship is
48% of men (a difference of 21 percentage seen as unacceptable.
points).  A majority of respondents across all Member
Women and consent States disagree that women oſten make
up or exaggerate claims of abuse or
Across the EU, there is a very low acceptance rape – from 56% in Malta to 85% in Spain;
towards minimising lack of consent. Some
on average, across the EU, 73% disagree
differences between Member States, however,
with this statement.
are noteworthy.
 More than nine in ten respondents (93%), on
 On average, across the EU, 86% of
average across the EU, disagree with the
respondents disagree that, faced with a
statement ‘a husband or boyfriend can
sexual proposal, if a woman says ‘no’,
have sex with his wife or girlfriend
she oſten means ‘yes’ but she is playing
without her consent’. At the individual
‘hard to get’.

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country level, the share disagreeing ranges Power and control in relationships
from 85% in Denmark to 97% in
There is a low acceptance, on average across the
Luxembourg and Malta.
EU, for a man to control his wife’s/girlfriend’s
 Women are more likely than men to disagree activities or relationships but views diverge much
that women oſten make up or exaggerate more on control of finances.
claims of abuse or rape. The difference
 About eight in ten respondents (79%), on
between women and men is the largest for
average, find it unacceptable for a man to
respondents aged 18-24 (85% of young
control his wife’s/girlfriend’s activities
women disagree vs 64% of young men – a
or relationships (e.g. mobile phone use,
difference of 11 percentage points).
activities on social media, etc.). Over six in
Cyberviolence ten respondents (63%) reply that it is
unacceptable for a man to control his
A majority of respondents across the EU reject
the idea that cyberviolence can be justified in wife’s/partner’s finances.
certain cases, but views are quite polarised  Between 62% of respondents in Hungary
across the EU. and 89% in Denmark find it unacceptable for
 Respondents across the EU are more likely to a man to control his wife’s/girlfriend’s
disagree (53%), rather than agree (43%), activities or relationships. There is more
that, if women share intimate pictures variation across the Member States in the
of themselves with someone, they are proportion finding it unacceptable for a man
at least partially responsible if the to control his wife’s/partner’s finances – from
36% in Cyprus and Hungary to 77% in
image is shared online without their
Ireland.
consent. The proportion agreeing with this
statement is the highest in Latvia (74%) and  For the statement about controlling activities
Lithuania (70%), while the proportion or relationships, the polarisation in views
disagreeing is the highest in Sweden (68%) between women and men is again larger in
and Germany (67%). the younger age groups. Among respondents
aged 18 to 24, 80% of women vs 61% of
 A vast majority (75%) disagree that, if
men find it unacceptable for a man to control
women share their opinion on social his wife’s/partner’s finances (a difference of
media, they should accept that they 19 percentage point).
elicit sexist, demeaning and / or abusive
replies. Respondents in Sweden (86%), Domestic violence
closely followed by those in Germany (84%) Majorities across the EU find domestic violence
and the Netherlands (83%) are the most unacceptable and do not see it as a private
likely to disagree with this statement. matter.
 Women are more likely to disagree with the  On average, across the EU, 92% of
two statements about cyber violence – this respondents consider it unacceptable for a
difference is particularly big among the man to occasionally slap his
younger age groups. Among those aged 18- wife/girlfriend. This figure is 90% - or
24, the proportion disagreeing that, if higher – in almost all Member States.
women share their opinion on social media,
they should accept that they elicit sexist,  A vast majority of respondents disagree
demeaning and / or abusive replies, is 17 (87%) that domestic violence is a private
percentage points higher for women (83% matter and should be handled in the
‘disagree’) than for men (66%). family. Across all countries, at least three-

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quarters of respondents disagree with this country. By comparison, a third of

statement – from 75% in Bulgaria to 93% in respondents (33%) reply the same about
Hungary and Portugal. intimate partner violence against men.
 Women are more likely to find it  Respondents in Romania (91%) are the most
unacceptable for a man to occasionally slap likely to answer that intimate partner
his wife/girlfriend (95% vs 89% of men). The violence against women is common in their
difference in views between men and women country, while respondents in Denmark
is somewhat larger in younger age groups. (44%) are the least likely to answer this.
Intimate partner violence  Women (78%) are more likely than men
(63%) to think that intimate partner violence
Across the EU, intimate partner violence against
against women is common in their country.
women is perceived as much more common than
intimate partner violence against men. Across all age groups, the proportion of
women thinking that intimate partner
 About seven in ten respondents (71%), on violence against women is common in their
average, answer that intimate partner country is between 11 and 17 percentage
violence against women is ‘very points higher for women than for men.
common’ or ‘fairly common’ in their

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1. Sexualisation and objectification of women

More than eight in ten respondents (82%) reply acceptable under certain circumstances (17%)
that it is unacceptable for men to body gaze, or acceptable (3%).
ogle, catcall or whistle at women. In contrast,
About six in ten respondents (59%) reply that
one in six respondents find this either acceptable
displaying images of women with sexual
under certain circumstances (13%) or (always)
connotation in advertising is unacceptable.
acceptable (4%).
Close to four in ten respondents find this
More than three-quarters of respondents (78%) acceptable under certain circumstances (29%)
find it unacceptable for men to make or acceptable (9%).
suggestive comments or allusions about a
female colleague's appearance at work.
One in five respondents find this either

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More than seven in ten respondents across all behaviour acceptable under certain
countries (except Denmark) find it unacceptable circumstances (33% in Czechia and 31% in
for men to body gaze, ogle, catcall or whistle Hungary).
at women. This proportion ranges from 72% in
Across most Member States, the lowest share of
Greece and Hungary to 88% in France and 89% respondents contest objectification of women in
in Malta. In Denmark, 61% of respondents find media. The proportion replying that displaying
this behaviour unacceptable, while 29% find it
images of women with sexual connotation
acceptable under certain circumstances. In total,
in advertising is unacceptable is the highest
in nine countries, acceptance of such a behaviour
in Croatia, France, Romania, Spain (all 67%),
is higher than 20%.
Ireland (69%) and Portugal (72%). In eight
The highest shares of respondents finding it countries, however, less than half would contest
unacceptable for men to make suggestive such a practice, and this figure is overall the
comments or allusions about a female lowest in Czechia (34%) and Latvia (35%). The
colleague's appearance at work are found in proportion finding the objectification of women in
Germany (84%), Finland, Ireland, Italy (all 83%), media acceptable under certain circumstances
Bulgaria, Sweden (both 82%) and Lithuania varies between 20% in Spain and 46% in Latvia.
(81%). In contrast, this opinion is shared by Across all Member States, less than one in five
roughly six in ten respondents in Czechia (58%) respondents find this practice (always)
and Hungary (62%). In the latter two countries, acceptable (from 4% in Croatia, Portugal and
about three in ten respondents find this Romania to 18% in Czechia).

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Socio-demographic considerations most likely to reply that men body gazing, ogling,
catcalling or whistling at women (86% and 82%,
Women are less likely than men to accept
respectively, vs 77%-79% for 25-54 year-olds)
sexualisation and objectification. More than eight
and men making suggestive comments or
in ten women (86%) find it unacceptable for men
allusions about a female colleague's appearance
to body gaze, ogle, catcall or whistle at women,
at work (82% and 78% vs 73%-76%) are
compared to 78% of men. Women (84%) are
unacceptable. Respondents aged 55 and over are
also more likely than men (71%) to find it
also more likely to find it unacceptable to display
unacceptable for men to make suggestive
images of women with sexual connotation in
comments or allusions about a female
advertising (65% vs 52%-56% in younger age
colleague's appearance at work. The largest
groups).
difference between women and men, however, is
seen for displaying images of women with sexual Respondents with a low level of education are
connotation in advertising: 69% of women find less likely than higher educated respondents to
this unacceptable, compared to 48% of men (a reply that men body gazing, ogling, catcalling or
difference of 21 percentage points). whistling at women (74% vs 84%) and men
making suggestive comments or allusions about
The results by age groups show that the oldest
a female colleague's appearance at work (74%
respondents (aged 55 and over), followed by the
vs 79%) are unacceptable behaviours.
youngest respondents (aged 18-24), are the

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The polarisation of views between women and groups than for older age groups. For example,
men is seen across all age groups, but the degree among respondents aged 18 to 24, 88% of
of this polarisation varies. Across all age groups, women vs 69% of men find it unacceptable for
the proportion of women finding it unacceptable men to make suggestive comments or allusions
to display images of women with sexual about a female colleague's appearance at work
connotation in advertising is between 17 and 22 (a difference of 19 percentage point); among
percentage points higher for women than for respondents aged 55 and over, the difference
men. For the other two behaviours, however, the between women and men is just eight
degree of polarisation is higher for younger age percentage points.

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2. Women and consent

Less than one in six respondents agree that, if a About one in ten respondents agree with the
woman suffers sexual violence while under statement that ‘faced with a sexual proposal,
the influence of alcohol or drugs, she is at if a woman says ‘no’, she oſten means ‘yes’
least partially responsible (4% ‘totally agree’ but she is playing ‘hard to get’’ (3% ‘totally
and 12% ‘tend to agree’). In contrast, more than agree’ and 6% ‘tend to agree’), while about
six in ten respondents (63%) ‘totally disagree’ seven in ten respondents (69%) ‘totally disagree’
and about one in six (18%) ‘tend to disagree’ and one in six (17%) ‘tend to disagree’ with the
with this statement. statement.

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More than four in ten respondents in Latvia is at least partially responsible if she suffers
(46%) and Lithuania (43%), in total, agree that a sexual violence while under the influence of
woman is at least partially responsible if alcohol or drugs.
she suffers sexual violence while under the
Agreement with the statement ‘faced with a
influence of alcohol or drugs. In Denmark and
sexual proposal, if a woman says ‘no’, she
Sweden (both 9%), Luxembourg (10%) and
oſten means ‘yes’ but she is playing ‘hard
Germany (11%), about one in ten respondents
to get’’ is highest in Bulgaria (27%), followed by
share this view, while close to nine in ten
Latvia (21%). In most countries, however, less
respondents (87%-89%) in these three
than one in ten respondents express their
countries, in total, disagree with the statement.
agreement, while a vast majority disagree –
In 17 of the 27 Member States, more than three-
from 67% in Bulgaria to 91% in Germany and
quarters of respondents disagree that a woman
the Netherlands.

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Socio-demographic considerations disagreeing is 15 percentage points higher for

women (89% vs 74% for men).
Women are more likely than men to disagree
with the statements ‘if a woman suffers sexual Respondents aged 25-39 are somewhat less
violence while under the influence of alcohol or likely to disagree that, when faced with a sexual
drugs, she is at least partially responsible’ (83% proposal, if a woman says ‘no’, she oſten means
vs 76%) and ‘faced with a sexual proposal, if a ‘yes’ but she is playing ‘hard to get’ (83% vs e.g.
woman says ‘no’, she oſten means ‘yes’ but she 88% of those aged 40-54).
is playing ‘hard to get’’ (91% vs 81%). The
difference between women and men is again For both statements, the total share disagreeing
seen across all age groups for the first statement increases with level of education. For example,
(the proportion disagreeing is between 8 and 13 75% of respondents with a low level of
percentage points higher for women); for the education disagree that, faced with a sexual
second statement, the difference is larger for proposal, if a woman says ‘no’, she oſten means
younger age groups than for older one. In fact, ‘yes’ but she is playing ‘hard to get’; this
among respondents aged 55 and over, the proportion increases to 84% for respondents
proportion disagreeing is nearly the same for with a high level of education.
women and men (80% vs 78%), while among
respondents aged 18-24, the proportion

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3. Abuse and rape

Close to three-quarters of respondents either exaggerate claims of abuse or rape (34% ‘totally
‘totally disagree’ (43%) or ‘tend to disagree’ disagreed’ and 35% ‘tended to disagree’).
(29%) that women oſten make up or
Respondents were also presented with the
exaggerate claims of abuse or rape. The
statement ‘a husband or boyfriend can have
proportion agreeing remains below one in five
sex with his wife or girlfriend without her
(4% ‘totally agree’ and 13% ‘tend to agree’).
consent’. Just 5% of respondents either ‘totally
A similar question was asked in Special agree’ or ‘tend to agree’ with this statement,
Eurobarometer 449 on Gender-Based Violence, while 81% ‘totally disagree’ and another 12%
conducted in November 2016, when a similar ‘tend to disagree’.
share disagreed that women oſten make up or

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Although a majority of respondents across all observed in 2016. In the 2016 survey, the level
Member States, in total, disagree that women of agreement ranged from 8% in Sweden to
oſten make up or exaggerate claims of 47% in Malta (a difference of 39 percentage
abuse or rape (from 56% in Malta to 85% in points).
Spain), there are some important differences in In all countries, not more than one in ten
the levels of (dis-)agreement. For example, respondents agree with the statement ‘a
about a third of respondents either ‘totally agree’
husband or boyfriend can have sex with his
or ‘tend to agree’ with this statement in Bulgaria
wife or girlfriend without her consent’. The
(34%) and Malta (32%), compared to 10% in
total level of disagreement, on the other hand,
Spain and 13% in both Croatia and France. The
ranges from 85% in Denmark to 97% in
variation in the level of agreement in the current
Luxembourg and Malta.
survey, however, is smaller than the variation

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Socio-demographic considerations consent (70% vs 74% of 18-24 year-olds and

over 54 year-olds) or that women oſten make up
Women are more likely than men to disagree
or exaggerate claims of abuse or rape (89% vs
that women oſten make up or exaggerate claims
e.g. 95% of over 54 year-olds). Young women,
of abuse or rape (79% vs 66%). The difference
aged 18-24, are overall the most likely to
between women and men in level of
disagree that women oſten make up or
disagreement is larger among younger age
exaggerate claims of abuse or rape (85%
groups (e.g. 85% vs 64% - a difference of 20
compared to 78%-79% of women in older age
percentage points - for 18-24 year-olds,
groups and 63%-68% of men across all age
compared to 78% vs 68% - a differences of 10
groups).
percentage points - for over 54 year-olds).
Although the difference is much smaller, women For both statements, the share disagreeing also
are also somewhat more likely to disagree that again increases with level of education; from
a husband or boyfriend can have sex with his 87% to 95% for ‘having sex without consent’ and
wife or girlfriend without her consent (95% vs from 67% to 78% for ‘making up or exaggerate
90%). claims of abuse or rape’.
Respondents aged 25-39 are slightly less likely
to disagree that a husband or a boyfriend can
have sex with his wife or girlfriend without her

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4. Cyberviolence
More than four in ten respondents either ‘totally About one in five respondents ‘totally agree’ (6%)
agree’ (14%) or ‘tend to agree’ (29%) that, if or ‘tend to agree’ (15%) that, if women share
women share intimate pictures of their opinion on social media, they should
themselves with someone, they are at least accept that they elicit sexist, demeaning
partially responsible if the image is shared and / or abusive replies is lower. About three-
online without their consent. In contrast, a quarters of respondents either ‘tend to disagree’
slim majority of respondents ‘tend to disagree’ (22%) or ‘totally disagree’ (52%) with this
(19%) or ‘totally disagree’ (34%) with this statement.
statement.

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In 13 Member States, respondents are more A slim majority of respondents in Bulgaria

likely to agree than to disagree that, if women (52%) and Lithuania (51%) agree that, if
share intimate pictures of themselves with women share their opinion on social media,
someone, they are at least partially they should accept that they elicit sexist,
responsible if the image is shared online demeaning and / or abusive replies. By
without their consent. The proportion agreeing comparison, only one in ten respondents agree
with this statement is highest in Latvia (74%), with this statement in Sweden (10%). The
followed by Lithuania (70%) and Czechia (68%). proportion disagreeing that women should
In 12 Member States, the opposite is observed accept that they elicit sexist, demeaning and /
and respondents disagreeing outnumber those or abusive replies if they share their opinion on
agreeing – the total level of disagreement is the social media is highest in Sweden (86%), closely
highest in Sweden (68%) and Germany (67%). In followed by Germany (84%) and the
Austria and Finland, the share agreeing vs Netherlands (83%).
disagreeing are nearly identical.

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Socio-demographic considerations proportion disagreeing that, if women share their

opinion on social media, they should accept that
Women are more likely to disagree with the two
they elicit sexist, demeaning and / or abusive
statements about cyber violence – this difference
replies also decreases with age, albeit only
is particularly big among the younger age
among women (from 83% for 18-24 year-old
groups. For example, among those aged 18-24,
women to 73% for over 54 year-old women),
the proportion disagreeing that, if women share
while among men, the proportion disagreeing
their opinion on social media, they should accept
increases with age (from 66% for 18-24 year-
that they elicit sexist, demeaning and / or
old men to 72%-73% for over 40 year-old men).
abusive replies, is 17 percentage points higher
for women than for men, while among those For both statements, the total share disagreeing
aged 54 and over, the proportion disagreeing is increases again with level of education. For
nearly identical for men and women (72%-73%). example, 68% of respondents with a low level of
education disagree that, if women share their
The proportion disagreeing that, if women share
opinion on social media, they should accept that
intimate pictures of themselves with someone,
they elicit sexist, demeaning and / or abusive
they are at least partially responsible if the
replies; this figure increases to 80% for those
image is shared online without their consent,
with a high level of education.
decreases with age (from 62% for 18-24 year-
olds to 47% for over 54 year-olds). The

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5. Power and control in relationships

About eight in ten respondents (79%) find it Respondents are, however, more likely to find it
unacceptable for a man to control his acceptable for a man to control his
wife’s/girlfriend’s activities or wife’s/partner’s finances, with 63% replying
relationships (e.g. mobile phone use, activities that this is unacceptable and over a third
on social media, etc.), in contrast with 17% answering that they consider it either acceptable
finding this acceptable under some under certain circumstances (30%) or acceptable
circumstances and 3% finding it (always) (6%).
acceptable.

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Between 62% of respondents in Hungary and There is more variation across the Member
89% in Denmark find it unacceptable for a States in the proportion of respondents finding it
man to control his wife’s/girlfriend’s unacceptable for a man to control his
activities or relationships (e.g. mobile wife’s/partner’s finances. While over three-
phone use, activities on social media, etc.). quarters of respondents in Ireland (77%) find this
In three countries, about three in ten respondents unacceptable, less than half reply the same in
find this type of control acceptable under certain Cyprus and Hungary (both 36%).
circumstances (30% in Greece, 31% in Slovakia
and 32% in Hungary).

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Socio-demographic considerations percentage point); among respondents aged 55

and over, the difference between women and
Women are more likely than men to find it
men is nine percentage points (89% vs 80%).
unacceptable for men to control their wife’s or
partner’s finances or activities. For example, 72% For both types of control by men, the proportion
of women think that it is unacceptable for a man of ‘unacceptable’ responses increases with age
to control his wife’s/partner’s finances, compared and level of education. For example, 53% of 18-
to 52% of men. The difference in views between 24 year-olds think that the it is unacceptable for
men and women is again seen across all age a man to control his wife’s/partner’s finances; this
groups. For the statement about controlling figure increases to 67% for over 54 year-olds.
activities or relationships, the polarisation in Similarly, between 72% of the lowest educated
views between women and men is larger in the and 82% of the highest educated reply that it is
younger age groups. Among respondents aged unacceptable for a man to control his
18 to 24, 80% of women vs 61% of men find it wife’s/girlfriend’s activities or relationships (e.g.
unacceptable for a man to control his mobile phone use, activities on social media, etc.).
wife’s/partner’s finances (a difference of 19

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6. Domestic violence
More than nine in ten respondents (92%) Respondents are unlikely to agree that domestic
consider it unacceptable for a man to violence is a private matter and should be
occasionally slap his wife/girlfriend. A handled within the family (5% ‘totally agree’
minority find this acceptable under certain and 6% ‘tend to agree). A vast majority of
circumstances (4%) or (always) acceptable (3%). respondents, in contrast, disagree that domestic
violence should be handled in the family (72%
‘totally disagree’ and 15% ‘tend to disagree’).

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In line with the EU average results, across all that it would be acceptable under certain
countries (expect Lithuania), roughly nine in ten circumstances. It should be noted here that the
– or more – respondents find it unacceptable for outlier result for Lithuania may be caused by the
a man to occasionally slap his translation used for ‘slapping’, which may have
wife/girlfriend. In Lithuania, 55% of been understood as less severe as the meaning
respondents find it unacceptable and 32% reply in English, but no other word exists to translate
‘slapping’ in Lithuanian.

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Across all countries, at least three-quarters of a private matter that should be handled within
respondents, in total, disagree that domestic the family. There are also some similarities
violence is a private matter and should be across the two surveys in the countries where
handled within the family – from 75% in respondents are most likely to agree that
Bulgaria to 93% in Hungary and Portugal. The domestic violence is a private matter that should
larges shares agreeing with the statement are be handled within the family. For example, both
observed in Bulgaria (21%) and France (19%). in the current survey and in 2016, Bulgaria,
Romania, and Greece were found at the top of
A similar question was asked in Special the country ranking in terms of agreement;
Eurobarometer 449 on Gender-Based Violence, nonetheless, the level of agreement in these
conducted in November 2016, when 4% of countries seems to have decreased across time,
respondents across the EU ‘totally agreed’ and from more than a quarter in 2016 to about a fiſth
11% ‘tended to agree’ that domestic violence is – or less – in the current survey.

24
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Socio-demographic considerations men is smaller (98% vs 95%, a difference of

three percentage points).
Disagreement with the statement ‘domestic
violence is a private matter and should be The proportion disagreeing that domestic
handled within the family’ is larger among violence is a private matter and the proportion
women (89%) than among men (84%). Women finding it unacceptable for a man to occasionally
are also more likely to find it unacceptable for a slap his wife are overall the highest for
man to occasionally slap his wife/girlfriend (95% respondents aged 55 and over (90% and 97%,
vs 89% of men). The difference in views between respectively). These proportions also increase
men and women is somewhat larger in younger with level of education. For example, 80% of
age groups. For example, among respondents respondents with a low level of education
aged 18 to 24, 93% of women vs 83% of men disagree that domestic violence is a private
find it unacceptable for a man to occasionally matter and should be handled within the family;
slap his wife/girlfriend (a difference of ten this proportion increases to 90% for respondents
percentage points); among respondents aged 55 with a high level of education.
and over, the difference between women and

25
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

7. Intimate partner violence

About seven in ten respondents answer that these, about half reply that intimate partner
intimate partner violence against women is violence against women is ‘very common’ in their
either ‘very common’ (19%) or ‘fairly common’ country (45% ‘very common’ and 46% ‘rather
(52%) in their country. In contrast, one in five common’ responses). In contrast, in Denmark,
respondents (20%) think that it is ‘not very less than half of respondents (44%) think that
common’ and 2% reply that it is ‘not common at such violence is either ‘very common’ or ‘fairly
all/does not occur’ in their country. By common’ in their country. Countries close to
comparison, one in three respondents reply that Denmark include Latvia (50% of ‘very’ or ‘fairly
intimate partner violence against men is common’ responses), Cyprus, Lithuania,
‘very common’ (6%) or ‘fairly common’ (26%) in Luxembourg and Slovakia (all 52% of ‘very’ or
their country, while 50% state it is ‘not very ‘fairly common’ responses).
common’ and 9% that it is ‘not common at
The proportion replying that intimate partner
all/does not occur’. In Romania, about nine in ten
violence against men is ‘very’ or ‘fairly
respondents (91%) think that intimate partner
common’ in their country ranges from 16% in
violence against women is ‘very common’ or
Slovakia to 50% in the Netherlands.
‘fairly common’ in their country. Moreover, out of

26
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

27
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Socio-demographic considerations 74% for low educated to 68% of highly

educated).
Women (78%) are more likely than men (63%)
to think that intimate partner violence against When asked about intimate partner violence
women is common in their country. Across all age against men, still women are more likely to agree
groups, the proportion of women thinking that it is common in their country (34%), than men
intimate partner violence against women is (31%). Respondents aged 55 and over are less
common in their country is between 11 and 17 likely than younger respondents to think that
percentage points higher for women than for intimate partner violence against men is
men. common in their country (29% vs e.g. 39% of 25-
39 year-olds). The share answering that intimate
Respondents aged 40-54 (69%) and aged 55
partner violence against men is common also
and over (70%) are somewhat less likely than
decreases with level of education (from 41% for
younger respondents (73%) to reply that
low educated to 29% of highly educated).
intimate partner violence against women is
common in their country. The share answering
that intimate partner violence against women is
common decreases with level of education (from

28
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Technical specifications
Between 21 and 28 February 2024, Ipsos quota were set based on age (18-24 year-olds,
European Public affairs carried out Flash 25-34 year-olds, 25-44 year-olds, 45-54 year-
Eurobarometer 544 at the request of the olds, 55-64 year-olds and 65+ year-olds),
European Commission, Directorate-General for gender and geographic region (NUTS1, NUTS2 or
Justice and Consumers. It is a general public NUTS 3, depending on the size of the country and
survey coordinated by the Directorate-General the number of NUTS regions).
for Communication, ‘Media monitoring and
Margin of error
Eurobarometer’ unit. Flash Eurobarometer 544
covers the population of EU citizens, residents in Survey results are subject to sampling
one of the 27 Member States of the European tolerances. The ‘margin of error’ quantifies
Union, and aged 18 years and over. uncertainty about (or confidence in) a survey
result. As a general rule, the more interviews
All interviews were carried via Computer-
conducted (sample size), the smaller the margin
Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), using Ipsos
of error. A sample of 500 will produce a margin
online panels and their partner network.
of error of not more than 4.4 percentage points,
Respondents were selected from online access
and a sample of 1 000 will produce a margin of
panels, groups of pre-recruited individuals who
error of not more than 3.1 percentage points.
have agreed to take part in research. Sampling

29
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Population 18+
Number of Population 18+ (as % of EU27
interviews Fieldwork dates (absolute number) population)
EU27 26 015 21.2.2024-28.2.2024 367 799 618 100%

BE 1 000 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 9 396 264 2.55%

BG 1 015 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 5 348 014 1.45%
CZ 1 011 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 8 732 040 2.37%
DK 1 015 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 4 776 816 1.30%
DE 1 009 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 70 107 122 19.06%

EE 1 021 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 1 096 773 0.30%

IE 1 031 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 4 039 981 1.10%
EL 1 005 21.2.2024-28.2.2024 8 698 201 2.36%

ES 1 024 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 40 007 177 10.88%

FR 1 027 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 53 808 715 14.63%

HR 1 026 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 3 186 837 0.87%

IT 1 022 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 49 921 488 13.57%
CY 505 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 743 863 0.20%
LV 1 017 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 1 521 624 0.41%
LT 1 020 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 2 348 613 0.64%
LU 528 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 535 430 0.15%
HU 1 005 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 7 913 866 2.15%

MT 537 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 460 088 0.13%

NL 1 004 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 14 498 189 3.94%
AT 1 013 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 7 526 440 2.05%
PL 1 044 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 30 000 832 8.16%
PT 1 015 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 8 806 662 2.39%

RO 1 032 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 15 326 831 4.17%

SI 1 029 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 1 738 398 0.47%

SK 1 019 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 4 394 805 1.19%

FI 1 026 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 4 537 778 1.23%
SE 1 015 21.2.2024-27.2.2024 8 326 771 2.26%

30
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Questionnaire
ASK ALL
Q1 What do you think about each of the following situations?
(ONE RESPONSE PER LINE) (RANDOMISE 1-6)

[STATEMENTS]
Q1_1 Displaying images of women with sexual connotation in advertising
Q1_2 Men body gazing, ogling [INFO BUTTON: The act of staring at someone in a sexually suggestive or
inappropriate manner, often making the person feel uncomfortable.], catcalling [INFO BUTTON:
The act of shouting offensive and often sexually suggestive comments at someone in a public
space.], or whistling at women
Q1_3 Men making suggestive comments or allusions about a female colleague's appearance at work
Q1_4 A man occasionally slapping his wife/girlfriend
Q1_5 A man controlling his wife’s/partner’s finances
Q1_6 A man controlling his wife’s/girlfriend’s activities or relationships (e.g. mobile phone use, activities
on social media, etc.)

[RESPONSE SCALE]
I find it unacceptable 1
I find it acceptable under certain circumstances 2
I find it acceptable 3
Don’t know/prefer not to answer 998

ASK ALL
Q2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
(ONE RESPONSE PER LINE) (RANDOMISE 1-2)
[STATEMENTS]
Q2_1 Women often make up or exaggerate claims of abuse or rape
Q2_2 Domestic violence is a private matter and should be handled within the family

[RESPONSE SCALE]
Totally agree 1
Tend to agree 2
Tend to disagree 3
Totally disagree 4
Don’t know/prefer not to answer 998

31
 Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women

ASK ALL
Q3 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
(ONE RESPONSE PER LINE) (RANDOMISE 1-5)

[STATEMENTS]
Q3_1 If women share their opinion on social media, they should accept that they elicit sexist,
demeaning and / or abusive replies
Q3_2 A husband or boyfriend can have sex with his wife or girlfriend without her consent
Q3_3 If women share intimate pictures of themselves with someone, they are at least partially
responsible if the image is shared online without their consent
Q3_4 Faced with a sexual proposal, if a woman says ‘no’, she often means ‘yes’ but she is playing
‘hard to get’
Q3_5 If a woman suffers sexual violence while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, she is at least
partially responsible

[RESPONSE SCALE]
Totally agree 1
Tend to agree 2
Tend to disagree 3
Totally disagree 4
Don’t know/prefer not to answer 998

ASK ALL
Q4 In general, how common do you think intimate partner violence against women is in
[YOUR COUNTRY]?
[SINGLE ANSWER]
Very common 1
Fairly common 2
Not very common 3
Not common at all/does not occur 4
Don’t know/prefer not to answer 998

ASK ALL
Q5 In general, how common do you think intimate partner violence against men is in
[YOUR COUNTRY]?
[SINGLE ANSWER]
Very common 1
Fairly common 2
Not very common 3
Not common at all/does not occur 4
Don’t know/prefer not to answer 998

32
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Data annex

Q1_1. What do you think about each of the following situations?

Displaying images of women with sexual connotation in advertising

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 59 29 9 4
BE 50 34 12 4
BG 59 31 6 5
CZ 34 44 18 4
DK 48 34 15 3
DE 56 30 10 5
EE 46 42 9 3
IE 69 22 6 3
EL 53 37 7 3
ES 67 20 10 3
FR 67 25 6 3
HR 67 26 4 3
IT 56 29 9 6
CY 52 34 8 6
LV 35 46 16 4
LT 45 39 11 5
LU 50 38 9 3
HU 47 39 11 3
MT 52 37 9 3
NL 54 33 9 4
AT 48 37 12 3
PL 63 23 8 6
PT 72 22 4 2
RO 67 26 4 3
SI 65 24 8 3
SK 52 37 9 3
FI 43 40 11 6
SE 56 32 10 3

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

33
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q1_2. What do you think about each of the following situations?

Men body gazing, ogling, catcalling or whistling at women

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 82 13 4 2
BE 76 18 4 2
BG 81 15 2 3
CZ 80 13 5 2
DK 61 29 7 3
DE 85 11 3 1
EE 84 11 3 2
IE 77 15 3 4
EL 72 22 5 1
ES 80 12 5 2
FR 88 8 2 2
HR 87 11 2 1
IT 85 11 3 1
CY 87 10 3 1
LV 77 16 5 2
LT 82 12 4 2
LU 79 16 2 3
HU 72 23 4 1
MT 89 8 1 1
NL 74 20 4 3
AT 80 15 4 1
PL 80 13 4 3
PT 75 21 3 2
RO 85 9 3 2
SI 84 12 2 1
SK 79 17 2 2
FI 77 17 4 2
SE 76 20 3 1

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

34
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q1_3. What do you think about each of the following situations?

Men making suggestive comments or allusions about a female colleague's appearance at work

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 78 17 3 2
BE 71 23 4 2
BG 82 12 2 3
CZ 58 33 6 3
DK 69 23 6 2
DE 84 12 3 1
EE 66 27 3 4
IE 83 12 3 3
EL 78 18 3 2
ES 79 15 4 2
FR 79 18 2 1
HR 75 21 3 2
IT 83 13 2 2
CY 74 23 2 1
LV 66 27 4 3
LT 81 13 5 2
LU 75 22 1 2
HU 62 31 5 1
MT 76 21 1 2
NL 72 22 4 2
AT 79 16 4 1
PL 77 16 4 3
PT 67 28 4 2
RO 70 25 3 3
SI 74 20 4 2
SK 79 17 3 2
FI 83 13 3 2
SE 82 14 3 2

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

35
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q1_4. What do you think about each of the following situations?

A man occasionally slapping his wife/girlfriend

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 92 4 3 1
BE 92 5 2 2
BG 92 6 1 1
CZ 91 5 4 1
DK 94 3 2 1
DE 95 3 2 1
EE 93 5 2 1
IE 91 5 3 2
EL 93 3 2 1
ES 89 5 4 2
FR 93 4 2 1
HR 94 2 2 1
IT 91 4 3 2
CY 96 2 1 1
LV 91 5 3 1
LT 55 32 8 5
LU 99 1 0 0
HU 94 4 2 1
MT 96 2 2 0
NL 95 2 2 1
AT 95 3 2 1
PL 91 4 3 2
PT 97 1 1 1
RO 92 5 2 0
SI 95 4 1 1
SK 88 8 3 2
FI 87 8 3 2
SE 95 2 2 1

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

36
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q1_5. What do you think about each of the following situations?

A man controlling his wife’s/partner’s finances

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 63 30 6 2
BE 48 41 10 2
BG 59 33 5 3
CZ 41 45 12 2
DK 65 27 6 2
DE 74 21 4 1
EE 49 44 6 2
IE 77 17 4 2
EL 43 49 6 2
ES 72 19 7 2
FR 68 27 5 1
HR 61 35 3 1
IT 61 32 6 1
CY 36 55 8 1
LV 55 36 7 2
LT 66 26 4 4
LU 63 31 5 1
HU 36 52 10 2
MT 67 32 1 0
NL 40 46 12 2
AT 71 23 4 2
PL 47 40 8 5
PT 72 24 3 1
RO 60 34 4 2
SI 55 38 6 2
SK 43 46 8 2
FI 71 23 4 2
SE 71 24 4 2

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

37
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q1_6. What do you think about each of the following situations?

A man controlling his wife’s/girlfriend’s activities or relationships (e.g. mobile phone use, activities
on social media, etc.)

I find it acceptable
Don’t know/prefer not to
I find it unacceptable under certain I find it acceptable
answer
circumstances

EU27 79 17 3 2
BE 70 24 4 2
BG 80 16 3 2
CZ 69 23 7 2
DK 89 7 3 2
DE 83 13 3 1
EE 73 22 3 2
IE 87 8 3 2
EL 65 30 4 2
ES 86 9 4 1
FR 84 12 2 1
HR 80 17 2 1
IT 75 21 3 1
CY 70 26 4 1
LV 76 18 5 1
LT 82 13 3 2
LU 86 11 2 1
HU 62 32 4 2
MT 89 11 0 0
NL 72 21 5 2
AT 83 13 3 1
PL 68 24 4 5
PT 88 10 2 1
RO 72 22 5 1
SI 76 20 3 1
SK 64 31 3 2
FI 87 10 2 1
SE 87 11 2 0

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

38
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q2_1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Women often make up or exaggerate claims of abuse or rape

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 4 13 29 43 10
BE 5 18 26 37 14
BG 9 25 31 27 8
CZ 4 19 40 27 11
DK 4 15 25 39 17
DE 3 12 33 40 13
EE 3 20 41 23 12
IE 5 15 32 36 13
EL 6 22 35 29 8
ES 3 7 16 69 4
FR 4 10 28 51 8
HR 3 11 34 49 5
IT 2 12 31 45 10
CY 3 23 38 26 10
LV 6 22 36 24 13
LT 7 22 34 27 10
LU 1 14 33 39 13
HU 4 14 38 35 10
MT 3 29 36 20 12
NL 3 19 24 38 18
AT 4 16 36 35 9
PL 5 16 28 35 16
PT 4 19 35 35 9
RO 5 13 36 35 11
SI 3 18 41 31 7
SK 3 21 40 26 10
FI 7 22 29 32 11
SE 3 15 19 57 7

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

39
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q2_2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Domestic violence is a private matter and should be handled within the family

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 5 6 15 72 3
BE 8 7 18 64 3
BG 12 10 20 55 3
CZ 5 5 18 70 2
DK 2 5 12 77 3
DE 3 4 10 82 2
EE 4 6 29 59 2
IE 3 4 19 73 1
EL 7 8 22 62 1
ES 3 7 15 73 2
FR 9 10 17 61 3
HR 3 5 16 75 1
IT 4 5 13 76 3
CY 7 6 24 61 2
LV 5 9 27 56 4
LT 7 9 24 58 2
LU 3 5 16 74 3
HU 3 4 13 80 1
MT 5 5 24 62 3
NL 3 7 17 70 3
AT 4 5 13 79 1
PL 6 7 13 70 4
PT 3 3 14 79 1
RO 10 6 23 56 5
SI 1 6 28 64 1
SK 4 7 21 66 2
FI 3 5 17 72 2
SE 2 5 6 85 2

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

40
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q3_1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
If women share their opinion on social media, they should accept that they elicit sexist, demeaning
and / or abusive replies

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 6 15 22 52 6
BE 6 17 21 51 6
BG 22 31 18 23 7
CZ 12 32 25 26 6
DK 6 19 19 51 5
DE 3 9 18 66 4
EE 8 22 29 34 7
IE 5 13 21 53 9
EL 6 24 24 42 4
ES 5 14 20 57 4
FR 6 14 25 51 5
HR 6 17 26 48 3
IT 3 11 24 57 5
CY 6 24 23 41 7
LV 15 33 24 18 11
LT 18 33 22 20 7
LU 2 14 19 61 4
HU 7 18 25 46 4
MT 6 19 24 48 3
NL 3 10 17 67 4
AT 3 12 23 59 3
PL 7 20 23 35 15
PT 6 19 27 44 4
RO 14 26 26 28 7
SI 6 26 33 31 4
SK 10 30 26 27 9
FI 6 15 21 51 7
SE 3 7 16 70 4

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

41
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q3_2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
A husband or boyfriend can have sex with his wife or girlfriend without her consent

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 2 3 12 81 2
BE 3 3 13 79 2
BG 4 5 17 71 4
CZ 3 5 21 69 3
DK 4 6 12 74 5
DE 1 3 8 86 2
EE 1 2 21 74 2
IE 2 2 11 84 2
EL 2 3 13 81 2
ES 2 5 9 84 1
FR 2 4 14 79 2
HR 1 2 11 84 1
IT 3 3 10 83 1
CY 2 1 8 88 1
LV 2 3 21 70 4
LT 6 3 21 67 4
LU 1 1 6 91 1
HU 1 2 13 82 2
MT 1 1 8 90 1
NL 2 4 8 84 2
AT 1 2 11 85 2
PL 3 4 16 73 4
PT 1 1 10 86 2
RO 3 3 20 71 3
SI 1 2 20 76 1
SK 2 4 22 70 3
FI 2 2 8 87 2
SE 2 3 5 88 2

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

42
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q3_3. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
If women share intimate pictures of themselves with someone, they are at least partially
responsible if the image is shared online without their consent

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 14 29 19 34 4
BE 13 34 17 32 4
BG 32 35 14 16 4
CZ 23 45 13 15 4
DK 13 29 18 36 4
DE 13 30 18 36 3
EE 24 41 17 15 3
IE 8 24 20 43 5
EL 13 30 19 35 3
ES 10 24 20 43 4
FR 14 29 19 35 4
HR 17 35 19 26 3
IT 7 21 22 45 4
CY 13 35 22 30 1
LV 35 39 12 12 2
LT 33 37 12 14 4
LU 15 30 24 30 2
HU 26 40 15 16 3
MT 21 34 21 23 1
NL 11 28 19 39 3
AT 16 32 20 29 3
PL 18 35 15 23 9
PT 19 35 17 26 3
RO 25 27 20 22 6
SI 19 42 17 19 2
SK 24 41 13 17 4
FI 16 33 20 29 4
SE 7 21 20 48 3

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

43
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q3_4. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Faced with a sexual proposal, if a woman says ‘no’, she often means ‘yes’ but she is playing ‘hard
to get’

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 3 6 17 69 6
BE 2 6 17 67 7
BG 7 19 32 35 7
CZ 3 11 27 50 9
DK 3 5 15 70 7
DE 2 4 14 77 4
EE 2 9 30 51 9
IE 2 7 16 71 5
EL 2 9 25 58 6
ES 4 6 11 76 3
FR 2 4 14 76 5
HR 2 6 23 66 4
IT 2 4 17 71 6
CY 2 7 26 61 5
LV 4 17 32 35 13
LT 3 10 31 43 12
LU 0 4 14 75 7
HU 3 11 31 44 11
MT 4 9 29 52 7
NL 1 3 11 80 6
AT 1 4 17 73 4
PL 4 8 19 57 12
PT 3 9 22 61 5
RO 4 8 28 50 9
SI 1 7 26 61 5
SK 2 14 33 44 8
FI 3 5 14 73 6
SE 2 4 10 80 4

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

44
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q3_5. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
If a woman suffers sexual violence while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, she is at least
partially responsible

Don’t know/prefer
Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree
not to answer

EU27 4 12 18 63 4
BE 4 13 17 62 4
BG 13 23 22 38 4
CZ 6 26 26 39 4
DK 3 7 11 77 3
DE 2 10 16 70 3
EE 7 27 26 37 3
IE 4 9 19 64 4
EL 4 14 21 59 3
ES 3 9 15 70 3
FR 3 10 16 67 4
HR 4 15 23 56 2
IT 4 8 18 67 3
CY 5 16 18 58 3
LV 12 34 23 25 6
LT 14 29 22 30 5
LU 2 8 18 70 2
HU 8 23 22 44 3
MT 5 15 16 59 4
NL 4 13 14 66 4
AT 4 11 20 64 2
PL 6 19 20 46 9
PT 3 11 19 64 3
RO 8 21 21 44 7
SI 5 20 28 45 2
SK 7 30 20 38 4
FI 4 12 17 63 4
SE 2 6 12 78 2

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

45
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q4. In general, how common do you think intimate partner violence against women is in [YOUR COUNTRY]?

Not common at Don’t know/prefer

Very common Fairly common Not very common
all/does not occur not to answer

EU27 19 52 20 2 8
BE 20 61 12 1 7
BG 20 50 21 2 7
CZ 8 49 23 2 18
DK 8 36 45 3 8
DE 15 55 20 2 8
EE 10 45 32 1 13
IE 19 50 22 1 8
EL 29 43 23 1 3
ES 18 50 25 2 5
FR 20 53 18 1 8
HR 28 42 24 0 7
IT 21 50 22 2 4
CY 15 37 38 1 9
LV 11 39 24 1 25
LT 10 41 28 3 18
LU 7 45 31 3 15
HU 15 54 18 1 11
MT 15 47 25 1 13
NL 17 64 13 1 6
AT 16 54 22 1 7
PL 18 50 15 2 15
PT 23 53 16 2 6
RO 45 46 5 0 4
SI 20 57 17 1 4
SK 8 44 31 2 15
FI 15 48 25 0 12
SE 10 44 38 2 6

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

46
 Gender stereotypes Flash Eurobarometer 544
Standard B2C Gender stereotypes – violence against women

Q5. In general, how common do you think intimate partner violence against men is in [YOUR COUNTRY]?

Not common at Don’t know/prefer

Very common Fairly common Not very common
all/does not occur not to answer

EU27 7 26 50 9 9
BE 8 39 43 5 6
BG 8 22 44 16 10
CZ 3 16 54 8 18
DK 5 19 57 10 9
DE 6 30 50 6 9
EE 4 23 55 3 15
IE 9 40 40 3 8
EL 8 21 54 13 4
ES 7 23 52 11 6
FR 5 26 55 7 8
HR 8 27 52 6 7
IT 9 27 49 9 6
CY 3 16 58 14 9
LV 4 19 42 7 28
LT 4 19 46 12 19
LU 3 26 51 4 15
HU 4 17 52 14 14
MT 6 27 52 4 11
NL 7 43 41 3 7
AT 4 21 61 7 7
PL 5 21 38 19 17
PT 9 29 51 5 7
RO 13 26 43 11 6
SI 5 32 50 8 5
SK 3 13 58 11 15
FI 5 31 49 2 13
SE 4 20 61 8 6

Flash Eurobarometer 544: Gender stereotypes – violence against women / Fieldwork: 21/02/2024 - 28/2/2024
%, Base (EU27): n=25 835 – All respondents

47
 DS-09-24-229-EN-N
Flash Eurobarometer 544
Gender stereotypes – violence against women