Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to share the latest European Institute for Gender Equality report  ‘From lived reality to policy action: Combatting cyber violence against girls in the EU’.

In support to Council Conclusions under the Cypriot Presidency, EIGE’s report gives the floor to 133 girls aged 13–18 from ten EU countries. Their stories are concerning and highly troubling and highlight the urgent need for action to ensure online spaces are safe and supportive.

The report exposes the reality of discovering manipulated or non-consensual content, where girls themselves are targeted. Many describe deleting photos, staying silent, leaving platforms, and living with anxiety after harassment and threats online. Despite the prevalence of these incidents, such experiences are often dismissed as “drama” or an inevitable aspect of being online, which is not acceptable. These challenges are not isolated; they reflect an environment where technology advances faster than the protections designed to counteract cyber violence. EIGE’s findings point to a clear need for prevention, accountability, and safeguards that keep pace with girls' digital lives. This is an important and timely read for anyone committed to making digital spaces safer.

In addition to this report, EIGE has published two articles that further explore the experiences of young girls online and the impact on those who report cyber violence. We encourage you to read these insightful pieces:

• Growing up online: how violence follows girls across platforms | European Institute for Gender Equa…
• Does speaking up make things worse? How young girls can be better protected from cyber violence

Your insights and engagement are vital as we work together to support girls online and foster safer digital environments. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions.

Thank you for your dedication to making digital spaces safer for all.

Elisa Nieto SNE (Stakeholder relations) European Institute for Gender Equality Gedimino pr. 16, Vilnius, Lithuania Phone: +370 5 2157439 Mobile: