New data from Eurostat reveals that police across the European Union recorded more than 256,000 sexual violence offences in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Of these, 38% were classified as rape offences, which rose by 7% compared to 2023. The figures come as the bloc intensifies efforts to harmonise legal definitions of sexual violence, particularly around the concept of consent.
National Variations in Reporting
France, Germany, and Sweden reported the highest absolute numbers of sexual violence and rape offences in 2024. At the other end of the spectrum, Cyprus, Malta, and Lithuania recorded the lowest figures. However, experts caution that higher reporting rates can reflect greater awareness and improved support mechanisms rather than a simple increase in incidents. Over the past decade, sexual violence offences have surged by 94% and rape by 150%, with annual average increases of nearly 10% and 7% respectively—a trend that may partly be driven by more victims coming forward.
Legislative Push for Consent-Based Definition
Shortly after the data release, the European Parliament voted to endorse a common consent-based definition of rape, often summarised as “only yes means yes.” MEPs stressed that consent must be assessed in context, including situations involving violence, abuse of power, intimidation, or vulnerability. They also called for adequate support and protection for victims across all member states.
This push follows the EU’s first-ever adoption of minimum standards to combat violence against women in 2024. However, a proposed article in those standards that would have created a unified definition of rape was dropped after opposition from several member states. Swedish MEP Evin Incir (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) noted in a European Parliament press release: “We have been calling for a common European definition of rape for years. More and more governments are recognising the need for this approach — since 2023, France, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have introduced consent-based laws. Momentum is with us.”
Divergent National Approaches
European countries continue to employ different legal terminology and national legislation on rape, though most align broadly with the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention. That treaty, signed by all EU member states as well as the UK and Norway, aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. In October 2024, the Latvian parliament voted to withdraw from the convention, citing complaints from right-wing politicians that it promotes “radical feminism based on the ideology of gender” and threatens traditional family values. President Edgars Rinkēvičs used his suspensive veto to send the decision back for reconsideration, arguing that such a change in international commitments should not be made hastily. Latvia is due to revisit the issue in November 2025, after its parliamentary elections. Riga remains committed to maintaining protections for women and victims of domestic violence, and its parliament has adopted a declaration asking the government to draft a comprehensive national law as an alternative. As an EU member, Latvia is also bound by EU directives on violence against women, which transpose many Istanbul Convention protections into EU law and must be implemented by June 2027.
Meanwhile, France ratified an amendment in October 2025 to add consent to the legal definition of sexual assault and rape, following the conclusion of the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial the year before. In that case, 51 men were found guilty of sexually assaulting or raping Pelicot while she was unconscious, after being drugged by her husband, Dominique, over a decade.
Broader Context
The rise in reported offences and the legislative momentum around consent-based definitions reflect a broader societal shift across Europe. For instance, the recent sentencing of former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson to 14 years for rape and sexual assault highlights the ongoing legal reckoning with sexual violence. At the same time, the EU’s efforts to standardise definitions face challenges from member states with differing legal traditions and political priorities. The data from Eurostat underscores both the scale of the problem and the importance of continued vigilance and policy action.
