Ongoing worries about threats and physical harm persist within Latvian communities
In recent years, the issue of sexual assault and psychological violence has been a topic of significant concern across the European Union (EU). A survey conducted by Eurostat in 2021, which included Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovenia, sheds light on the prevalence of such violence in these countries, including Latvia.
When it comes to sexual harassment at work, the survey revealed that Latvia reported the lowest rate of women experiencing sexual harassment among the participating countries. Only 15.5% of women aged 18-29 reported at least one instance of sexual harassment, a figure significantly lower than the EU average. However, in contrast, Finland reported a staggering 68.2% of women in the same age group experiencing such harassment.
Regarding gender-based violence and violence in partner/family relationships, Latvia faces serious challenges. Despite recent legal reforms, such as the introduction of penalties for spousal rape and the implementation of electronic monitoring of offenders, at least 20 women are killed annually by their partners, a figure considered largely preventable by the government.
Latvia has also recorded incidents of assaults and hate crimes, including those targeting the LGBTI community. While progress has been made, such as the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2024, there are still concerns about underreporting and the prosecution of such cases.
Comparative statistics for overall sexual assault and psychological violence rates between Latvia and the EU average are limited. However, Latvia’s low reported workplace sexual harassment rate among young women is significantly below the EU average, indicating potentially underreporting or differences in prevalence. The high number of partner-related femicides also points to persistent gender-based violence challenges similar to other EU countries.
In conclusion, while Latvia has taken important steps to address sexual and psychological violence, the prevalence of partner violence remains concerning. Workplace sexual harassment rates appear lower than the EU average, but comprehensive comparable data on sexual assault and psychological violence for both genders is limited. The government's efforts to strengthen its legal framework against violence in intimate and family relationships are commendable, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens.
- The media in these European Union (EU) countries, including Latvia, should focus on reporting about the low rates of sexual harassment at work among young women in Latvia compared to other EU member states.
- In the field of science, researchers are encouraged to conduct comprehensive studies on the prevalence of sexual assault and psychological violence in Latvia to provide more substantial comparative statistics between Latvia and the EU average.
- To promote mental health and wellness among women in Latvia, it is crucial for media outlets to cover issues related to mental health effects resulting from gender-based violence, such as partner violence and sexual harassment.
- Crime-and-justice reporting in general news outlets should continue to highlight the concerns about underreporting and the prosecution of assaults and hate crimes targeting the LGBTI community in Latvia and other EU countries, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues in the realm of justice and human rights.
