Domestic and gender-based violence remains a harsh reality in Luxembourg. Nearly half of all women have experienced violence by a partner, and more than one third have been victims of such violence within their own homes.
For Minister for Gender Equality Yuriko Backes, a zero-tolerance approach is a clear priority—one that requires a whole-of-society response and involves multiple ministries. She reiterated this position on April 13, 2026, during a meeting of the relevant parliamentary committee. The Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity (MEGA) plays a key role in awareness-raising, victim support, and information.
The objective – working closely with the police and the judiciary – is clear: to provide better protection and more effective support for victims, to adapt sanctions against perpetrators, and to ensure full recognition of the real impact of violence on victims.
The time has come to further strengthen existing measures. The interministerial Comité violence has taken up this issue and developed a set of recommendations. Last year, the government adopted its first National Action Plan against gender-based violence, whose measures must now be fully implemented. The transposition of the EU directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence must also be completed by June next year.
On the financial side, MEGA’s budget continues to grow significantly: a 25% increase to nearly €29 million for the current fiscal year, with a projected 45% increase next year. More than 65% of the ministry’s budget is dedicated to combating violence.
A key development on the ground is the Centre National pour Victimes de Violences (CNVV), which opened on April 28, 2025. As of May, it is accessible 24/7, including via telephone. A national awareness campaign on domestic violence is also planned. The centre has added eight new staff positions this year. Since opening just over a year ago, around 400 people have reached out due to domestic violence. In 26 cases, police intervention followed, and ten individuals filed a complaint on the spot. A volunteer legal advisor provided seven consultations. Psychological violence is increasingly prevalent, and the family environment remains the primary setting where abuse occurs.
An amendment to the 2003 law on protection against violence is currently under discussion, according to Yuriko Backes. The law defines responsibilities for supporting both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. At present, only support for children living in the affected household is mandatory. There are plans to extend these measures to children who are indirectly affected by violence.
The CNVV provides urgent outpatient support and offers specialized assistance to all victims of physical, sexual, or psychological violence.
