International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: what you need to know
Kyiv • UNN
According to statistics, in 2024, the number of reports of domestic violence increased by 80% compared to previous years. Experts attribute this to the effects of the war and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Since 1999, the whole world has been celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Read more about how the statistics of violence in Ukraine has changed in recent years, the causes of this violence and the legal consequences in the UNN article.
On November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women is celebrated annually around the world. This day is an opportunity to highlight one of the biggest problems of modern society. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one in three women in the world is a victim of physical and/or sexual violence. This problem is also relevant for Ukraine, where violence against women remains a serious social and legal problem.
Statistics
According to statistics, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the situation of domestic violence in Ukraine has increased compared to previous years. For example, in 2019, the number of applications submitted to the police was 141,814, of which 1,068 were open cases, and 759 went to court. In 2022, 244,381 applications were submitted to police stations, including 1,498 open ones, and 1,249 were submitted to the court. if we talk about 2024, as of October, the number of applications "exceeded" previous years by 80%. But even despite the increase in the number of applications, the percentage of their receipt in court has significantly decreased. In 2022 and 2023, this figure was about 83%, but now it is only 64%, which is the lowest figure in the last five years. Also, it is worth noting that such data is not accurate, since not all victims dare to contact the relevant authorities for help.
Unfortunately, it should be noted that not the last reason for the increase in the number of appeals from victims of violence, according to experts, is full-scale Russian aggression. In particular, we are talking, for example, about post-traumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by sharp bursts of uncontrolled aggression. However, the Ministry of internal affairs assures that they are working on the issue of integrating veterans into civil society, introducing a mechanism for psychological rehabilitation.
UNN talked to representatives of the project "Breaking The Silence", which is implemented in Lviv region by the Charity Foundation "pledge" with partners.
What is domestic violence?
When talking about domestic violence, we should not forget that it has different forms and types. The most commonly mentioned is physical violence, and it is not just hitting or pushing, it is any manifestation of physical aggression. It can also include threats of physical violence, which can cause feelings of fear and danger.
No violent action can be justified. But, unfortunately, domestic violence remains a painful reality for many Ukrainian women
According to the expert, economic violence is a significant problem. That is, when a woman is forbidden to work or study, and at the same time is forced to depend financially on her partner. In such cases, the abuser controls every penny spent and can deprive them of access to the most basic necessities. Such violence is dangerous because it deprives women of the ability to make their own decisions.
Equally serious is sexual violence, when a partner forces a woman to perform sexual acts without her consent or uses blackmail to achieve their goals. There is also an increase in reproductive pressure on women, which only increases during a full-scale war.
Psychological violence has a devastating impact on a woman's well-being. This includes constant humiliation, insults, devaluation of a woman's achievements, and control over her relationships with friends and family. Psychological violence can also be manifested through constant jealousy and interference in personal space. This type of violence often goes unnoticed, but it leads to serious emotional trauma and a sense of isolation for women.
Causes of violence
Psychology of the project "breaking the silence" Vera Varenitsa noted that there are many causes of domestic violence, but the most common are the following::
- Dependencies
It can be either alcoholic or narcotic. In such states, control over their own emotions and actions is weakened, and a person is more easily exposed to aggressive impulses, loses the ability to soberly assess their actions.
- Psychological and mental disorders
Very often, the emotional instability/ immaturity of one of the partners causes aggression in the relationship.
- Social stereotypes
Often, the idea of" patriarchy " or the idea that one partner has power over the other contributes to violence.
Parenting in a family where violence was the norm can influence the adoption of violent behaviors.
- Constant financial and domestic difficulties
They lead to conflicts that often escalate into aggression.
In order to leave an abusive relationship, the expert first recommends recognizing/identifying that it is indeed violence and that it does not stop by itself.
Often, abusers promise to" improve " or say that they will no longer do this. unfortunately, such promises are rarely fulfilled. So being aware of this can help you decide to get out of this relationship
An important stage is also an awareness of your own value and your true needs, understanding that your own "I" deserves respect, security and support. The victim of violence must recognize that he has the right to a life in which there is no pain or fear.
Psychology noted that the support and assistance of relatives, friends, and acquaintances is useful for maintaining a psychological state. In the absence of this, you can contact law enforcement agencies, as well as crisis centers/ rooms where you can get various kinds of help - from psychological, medical, legal to material.
In addition, you should not avoid working with a specialist (psychologist/psychotherapist) to process this traumatic experience. This is a way to heal and restore mental and emotional health.
"Getting out of such a relationship is a complex process that requires courage, strength and support. It is different for everyone, because there is no single magic algorithm. However, it is important to remember that each of us has the right to safety and respect, and a life without violence is quite possible!",- said the specialist.
How to choose a specialist to work out the experience gained in such relationships?
Choosing a specialist is very important, because the support of a qualified psychologist/ psychotherapist can help you cope in these difficult circumstances. Therefore, Vera Varenitsa recommends referring to the following factors: :
1. Education and certification. It is important that the psychologist/psychotherapist has the appropriate education and certificates confirming his/her competence.
2. Experience with similar problems. Ask if the specialist has experience working with victims of domestic violence or traumatic experiences.
3. Comfort and trust. During the first meeting, pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with this person. It is important that you can talk openly about your feelings and be confident in confidentiality.
4. Reviews and recommendations. Sometimes it is useful to read reviews from other customers or get recommendations from friends who have had positive experiences.
"Never hesitate to seek support and help, this is a very important step for your health and safety. If you or someone you know needs help, don't hesitate.",- the expert added.
Legal aspects
UNN spoke with Larisa Velichko, an adviser and lawyer at GRACERS law firm, who named the main steps for victims of domestic violence who want to get away from the abuser.
First of all, you should assess the situation and immediately make a decision. For example, if you understand that there is a threat to your life, you should immediately call the police at the phone number — 102 and state in writing the reasons for your appeal upon arrival of police officers. If possible, the expert recommends leaving the dangerous place. Here you should think in advance about safe places and the fastest way to get as far away from danger as possible.
In addition, many cities have Centers for helping victims of domestic violence. They usually offer temporary housing, psychological and legal assistance.
An important point is to document the consequences of violence. These can be photos/videos of injuries, elements of telephone conversations/correspondence. The presence of evidence increases the likelihood of success in court. Contacting a doctor for a medical examination, documenting the results of a medical examination of the affected person, and obtaining an official report on the injuries, their nature and extent, can also be important evidence in the event of a trial.
“If you find yourself in such a situation, do not forget that it is not your fault, you are not the offender here. This is a difficulty that you will definitely cope with, you will become stronger, and most importantly, do not lose faith in yourself,” said Larysa Velychko.
The system of protection of victims of domestic violence in Ukraine
“In Ukraine, the system of protection of victims of domestic violence is provided by a number of key laws and regulations that help define the mechanism of protection, support and assistance to victims,” the lawyer noted.
One of the most important aspects of the system of protection of victims of violence is the law of Ukraine "on preventing and countering domestic violence", which was adopted in 2017. According to the law, law enforcement agencies have the right to issue an urgent restraining order — this is a legal measure aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence. It is issued by the court and imposes restrictions on the actions of the abuser in order to ensure the safety of the injured person. The restrictive order mechanism was introduced in Ukraine within the framework of the law "on preventing and countering domestic violence" and is an important protection tool.
This order can be issued by a court for a period of 1 to 6 months and prohibits the aggressor from approaching the victim, living with him or her, contacting them, etc. It can also be issued by the police immediately upon request. In general, a restraining order is an effective way to ensure the victim's safety in the short term. In most cases, it helps to avoid repeated incidents of violence, as it restricts the aggressor's physical access to the victim. However, psychological and social support is also important for the victim's long-term safety, as well as the possibility of bringing the aggressor to criminal liability in case of violations.
The law "on preventing and countering domestic violence" also provides for the introduction of special programs for persons who commit violence, including correctional and rehabilitation measures. This helps not only protect the victim, but also work with the abuser to prevent repeated violence.
"This law has created new effective mechanisms to protect victims and improved the situation with legal and social assistance. Legislative changes have increased the availability of legal support and helped many victims gain real protection, although the system requires further development and resources to ensure equal access in all regions of the country.",- says Larisa Velichko.
Domestic violence in Ukraine is also criminalized. Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for criminal liability for domestic violence that causes physical or psychological suffering. Penalties may include community service, arrest, or restriction of Liberty.
In addition, if domestic violence leads to serious consequences, in particular injury or death, other articles of the Criminal Code apply, in particular Article 121 (intentional grievous bodily harm) and Article 115 (premeditated murder).
In cases of less serious violations, the offender may be subject to administrative penalties provided for by the Code of administrative offenses of Ukraine. For example, article 173-2 provides for administrative liability for committing domestic violence or failing to comply with an urgent prohibition order, which may include fines, correctional labor, or administrative arrest.
"In Ukraine, the issue of protecting victims of domestic violence is gradually becoming the subject of legal attention and society, but going to court is still a rare phenomenon. Victims of violence are simply afraid to make the case public, to go to court, for many reasons. Here you need to understand that the law is on your side, and in recent years the number of Appeals has been growing due to the improvement of legislation, in particular with the adoption of the law of Ukraine "on preventing and countering domestic violence" in 2017.",- the lawyer added.
Statistics of victims ' appeals to the court
According to the Ministry of internal affairs of Ukraine, the number of officially registered cases of domestic violence annually exceeds tens of thousands. However, only a part of the victims apply to the court. Among the main reasons for the low level of appeals to the court are::
According to statistics for 2022-2023, about 15-20% of victims of domestic violence who went to the police, continued the process and filed applications to the court for long-term protective orders or to initiate criminal proceedings. This figure is growing slightly due to campaigns to raise public awareness and access to legal aid.
The effectiveness of judicial protection is assessed by several criteria, including the speed of case processing, the number of restraining orders issued, and the frequency of repeat applications by the same victims. Approximately 30% of victims repeatedly apply to law enforcement agencies or the court, which may indicate that judicial measures are not effective or protective on a long-term basis. This indicates that additional social and psychological support measures are needed to prevent re-occurrence of violence.
Hotlines for victims of domestic violence
Currently, our country has several national hotlines for victims of domestic violence, where you can get anonymous support without leaving any information about yourself. Specialists on the lines provide psychological support, help develop a safety plan, and explain available legal mechanisms. For example:
- 1547 – hotline for combating human trafficking and domestic violence.
- 0 800 500 335 - national hotline for the Prevention of domestic violence.
Such services can tell you how to safely get out of a dangerous situation or find shelter.
"If a victim of violence discovers that the aggressor has links with the police or other government agencies, and this creates obstacles to the protection of their rights, it is important to act cautiously and use various legal and organizational methods to protect them.",- the lawyer notes.
The domestic violence hotline (0 800 500 335 or short number 116 123) provides advice and support, and can also advise which organizations to contact for additional protection.
Human rights organizations — such as "La Strada-Ukraine", "human rights Information Center" and others — have experience in dealing with such cases and can provide legal support and protection.
How to choose the right specialist?
To find a good specialist to solve a legal problem, you need to consider several important criteria. To do this, you can refer to the legal norms regulating the professional activity of lawyers in Ukraine, as well as use the general recommendations for choosing a specialist.
According to the current legislation of Ukraine, to find a professional lawyer or lawyer, you can contact the following sources::
- Bar Associations and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) are professional organizations that can recommend qualified lawyers or lawyers. Membership in these organizations is a sign of a high level of professionalism.
- Unified Register of lawyers of Ukraine – according to the law of Ukraine "on advocacy and advocacy", lawyers are registered in the unified register. You can find a lawyer through the official register, which guarantees their qualifications.
- legal advice – law firms, online platforms, and legal associations can provide services in various areas of law.
- specialized forums and recommendations from other clients – the experience of other people who have already contacted specialists can help you choose.
When choosing a specialist, you should pay attention to their qualifications and experience. This can be checked if you have a license and accreditation. It is also necessary to check whether the specialist has a higher legal education and work experience in the right field of law. It is important to choose a specialist who specializes in the area of law in which you need help. Next — pay attention to the reputation of the specialist. Study reviews and recommendations from previous clients. This can give an idea of the quality of a specialist's services and their ability to solve complex cases. Also look for information about cases in which the lawyer or lawyer was successful. You need to be sure that the lawyer will maintain confidentiality and work in your best interests, and not put your own interests first. Ask for specific examples of cases similar to yours and how the lawyer or lawyer handled them. It will not be difficult for a good specialist to explain the legal norms that apply to your situation and explain how they can affect the outcome of the case. A professional lawyer should be able to develop a strategy for solving the case and explain exactly how they will solve it.
