Violence, trauma and health impacts in the EU

On 12 January 2026, FEPS hosted an event within the framework of the 12th Barbara Prammer Symposium at the Austrian Parliament. The panel discussion looked into violence, trauma and health impacts in Europe.

Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence have profound and long-lasting effects on women’s physical, mental and reproductive health across Europe. Despite growing awareness and EU-level commitments, survivors still face major obstacles in accessing protection, justice and adequate health and mental health care.

This panel brought together experts from the health, political, and social sectors to examine these impacts and discuss how prevention, stronger legal frameworks, and gender-responsive, survivor-centred health systems can better meet women’s needs across Europe.

The discussion contributed to the broader European debate on advancing gender equality and wellbeing, in line with the EU’s post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, while honouring the feminist legacy of Barbara Prammer.

Violence, trauma and health impacts in the EU  

FEPS Panel discussion in the framework of the 12th Barbara Prammer Symposium  

Panel

• Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, State Secretary of Austria
• Lina Gálvez Muñoz, MEP, S&D Group, Chair of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, Chair of FEPS Scientific Council, FEPS Vice-President
• Nicole Krejci, Director of the Gewaltschutzzentrum Wien
• Bettina Pfleiderer, Associate Professor at the University of Münster, Head of the EU W20 delegation and Former President of the World Medical Women’s Association
• Andrea Pető, Professor in the Department of Gender Studies at Central European University, Vienna, Austria, Research affiliate of the CEU Democracy Institute, Budapest

Moderator: Sonja Kato, Moderator and executive coach

About the Barbara Prammer Symposium

The 12^th Barbara Prammer Symposium was organised by Karl-Renner-Institut, SPÖ-Frauen and the SPÖ Parliamentary Group. The Barbara Prammer Symposium is an annual event dedicated to exploring pressing social and political issues through the lens of equality and inclusion, inspired by the legacy of Barbara Prammer, a trailblazer for women’s rights and democratic values in Austria.

The symposium brings together experts, policymakers, and activists to discuss challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equality, with a particular focus on progressive policies and practices such as gender budgeting. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event seeks to drive meaningful action toward a fairer and more equitable society.

For more information regarding the project and this event, please do not hesitate to contact Alice Nicaise, Project and Events Officer, (alice.nicaise@feps-europe.eu).

🔴Live NOW! The 12th edition of the #BarbaraPrammer Symposium on feminist perspectives on health just started!

Watch here
👉 https://t.co/nskMZJM9Jz

FEPS is organising a panel discussion on violence, trauma, and health impacts in Europe in the framework of the Symposium.

This…

— FEPS (@FEPS_Europe) January 12, 2026