(Brussels) “On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women we say Stop! Women and girls inside and outside the EU are still subject to several forms of violence. All over the world, women and girls are beaten at home, sexually and economically exploited, assaulted in the street or at work, harassed online or during sport activities, kidnapped, maimed or forced to marry. We cannot ignore serious consequences for families, communities, society and economy”. Resolute words from EU commissioners, led by vicar Vice President Frans Timmermans and High Representative Federica Mogherini just before the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated on 25 November by will of the UN. “It is necessary to do more within the EU – says a joint note – in order to make sure that any kind of violence against women will be eliminated”. In the EU, “almost 25% of women suffered physical or sexual violence by their partners from the age of 15. Over one European out of four believe that a non-consensual sexual intercourse may be justified, while more than one out of five think that women tend to either come up with or exaggerate alleged abuse or rape. Quite often, the victims of violence do not denounce the crime… All together, we have to resist all that, fighting the stereotypes weakening the voices of the women; we have to show everyone that violence against women cannot be accepted, and will no longer be tolerated by anyone”.