"European Union Directive 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence (Anti-VAW Directive) marks a historic moment for equality and equal opportunities in the European Union (EU) and stands out in many aspects. The aim of the Directive is to establish a holistic and effective framework for preventing and combating violence against women (VAW) and domestic violence (DV) throughout the EU. Foremost, it acknowledges that EU Member States have a shared responsibility to take action on these matters. The Anti- VAW Directive introduces detailed provisions and lays down rules with the aim of ensuring effectiveness and enforceability, while its obligations cover four key pillars: prevention and early intervention; protection and access to justice; victim support; and coordination and cooperation. It emphasises that VAW and DV pose a threat to fundamental values and rights, particularly equality between women and men and in the area of antidiscrimination. These forms of violence undermine the rights of women and girls to equality in all areas of life, including the world of work. This paper argues, however, that the Directive falls short of thoroughly regulating gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) as far as employment is concerned. For instance, it does not make an explicit connection between DV and working life or VAW and occupational safety and health. Cyber violence at work and GBVH through management by artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making and digital surveillance are also not thematised, nor is third-party violence in the workplace regulated explicitly. Moreover, by not directly mentioning trade unions and social dialogue, the Directive overlooks important structures within employment. Yet, the Directive is in force and is to be transposed into the national laws of EU Member States by 2027. Besides this, it has the potential to serve as a model for non-EU states for their own national legislation concerning gender-based violence, as seen previously in respect of other EU legislation. Considering this, the paper recommends making the most of the Anti-VAW Directive and using it to tackle GBVH in the world of work until such times as there is European legislation specifically dedicated to work-related gender-based violence and harassment."

Support: Digital;Paper

ISBN (PDF) : 1994-4454

Legal deposit : D/2025/10.574/28