Unsilenced is a European co-funded initiative inspired by the #MeToo movement in the United States.
This project seeks to elevate the voices of survivors of sexual harassment and violence across Europe, providing a platform for them to share their stories. At the same time, we advocate for a safer and more supportive environment for women and girls of all ages.
Despite progress, many European countries still struggle to fully acknowledge women’s experiences, often leaving them without adequate support. In such environments, victim-blaming and shaming remain widespread, making it difficult for survivors to speak out.
While #MeToo has largely been driven by public figures, Unsilenced focuses on empowering everyday individuals—ensuring their voices are heard too.
The scale of the problem:
- More than 1 in 4 Europeans have faced harassment, with many reporting physical assaults and lasting psychological effects. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) highlights the urgent need for stronger support systems and reporting mechanisms.
Read more here - The economic impact of gender-based violence in the EU is staggering, costing an estimated €366 billion annually in 2021. Violence against women alone accounted for €289 billion (79%) of this total.
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The problem of victim-blaming:
Societal attitudes often shift blame onto survivors, suggesting their clothing, behavior, or actions “provoked” the violence. These harmful beliefs persist across cultures, discouraging victims from coming forward and distorting public perceptions of sexual violence.
Explore the report on victim-blaming in Europe
