When we think about violence against trans people, we often link violence with murder, rape, psychological
threats, emotional abuse, and the direct and intentional use of force. However, structural violence,
violence that is part of everyday life and social interactions, does not always appear as such, but is subtly
woven into the fabric of the ordinary, resulting in no less negative consequences than interpersonal
violence and transphobia. Structural violence is a form of violence resulting from and perpetuated by
hierarchical, unjust, and oppressive social systems and arrangements, such as historically rooted social
structures and relationships, e.g. conservative gender roles and the logic of the economic system.
Structural violence often remains unquestioned and unchallenged because it is so deeply embedded in
social arrangements: it goes unnoticed and unrecognised, and it thereby contributes to preserving the
modus operandi of our everyday lives.
Institutional violence against trans people is also the result of oppression and hierarchies that are
the central organising elements of institutions such as state registrars, psychological clinics and
committees, healthcare services, and courtrooms. It manifests in biased and discriminatory treatment
of trans people, which is widespread in many institutional settings. As such, it is present in everyday
interactions between trans people and school staff, state officials, service providers, healthcare
personnel, and legal professionals. Furthermore, oppressive institutional practices can be cemented
by harmful and discriminatory public policies and laws that provide a legal basis for oppression and the
marginalisation of trans people.
Societal violence manifests in the rejection and mistreatment of trans people by others, including
discrimination and hate speech. These incidents may not qualify as crimes under domestic legislation,
but they are elements of a transphobic social climate, which is why EEPP partners found it important
to monitor them.
Hate crimes are criminal acts motivated by bias or prejudice towards particular groups of people, and
they can be based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, disabilty, among