This book offers a pioneering, interdisciplinary analysis of gender-based violence in Eastern Europe from the early modern period to the present. Through case studies of various Eastern European countries, the volume examines how empire, war, nationalism, socialism, and post-socialist transformation shaped legal, medical, and state responses to violence against women. It reveals how women’s suffering was repeatedly silenced, normalized, or politicized, particularly in times of conflict and authoritarian rule. Challenging Western-centric perspectives, the book positions Eastern Europe as a vital site for understanding the historical roots of contemporary debates on gender, justice, and memory.

Marianna Muravyeva is Professor at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Sigita Černevičiūtė is Research Fellow at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania.

Monika Rogers is Research Fellow at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania.