asylum and migration contexts’. Additionally, the Commission proposal for a Directive on combating violence against women violence5, and domestic adopted on 8 March 2022, explicitly recognises that victims from intersectional backgrounds are at a higher risk of violence against women and domestic violence. Article 2 of the proposed Directive refers to the specific obligation of Member States to take into consideration the increased risk of violence faced by victims with intersectional backgrounds. The proposal also includes specific obligations to take into account their enhanced protection and support needs when carrying out the individual assessments (Art. 18(4) and 27(5)). Article 35(1) of the proposal moreover requires further specific support to be put in place for women at an increased risk of experiencing violence against women or domestic violence, including women with dependant residence permits, undocumented migrant women, women applying for international protection or fleeing from an armed conflict. Article 35(3) requires services to be available for third-country nationals and allows for accommodation separated by sex in return or reception centres, while Article 35(4) allows for facilitated reporting in reception and detention centres. Moreover, Article 16(5) aims at ensuring that a person is not deterred by fear of being reported to migration authorities from reporting instances of violence against women and domestic violence. It provides that competent authorities are prohibited from transferring personal data pertaining to the residence status of the victim to competent migration authorities, at least until completion of the first individual assessment. The EU Asylum Agency (EUAA) is also pursuing a gender sensitive approach in all its activities. For instance, the situation of women is specifically assessed in all of its reports and guidances. As regards trafficking in human beings, the main instrument to fight against it in the EU is the Directive6. Anti-trafficking The Directive is consistent with international obligations of EU Member States in the area of trafficking in human beings, including under the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, to which the EU is a party, and the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human beings. The Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this Convention. The Anti-trafficking Directive provides for assistance, support and protection measures, which should be gender-specific where appropriate. These measures should include at least standards of living capable of ensuring victims’ subsistence through measures such as the provision of appropriate and safe accommodation and material assistance, as well as necessary medical treatment including psychological assistance, counselling and information, and translation and interpretation services where appropriate. Member States have an obligation to provide such assistance and support as soon as the authorities have a reasonable-grounds indication for believing that the person may have been exploited. Moreover, assistance, support and protection must be provided unconditionally, regardless of the victims’ willingness to cooperate in

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