The Law on Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence in Ukraine was adopted several years ago, and a new version of this Law is in force from January 1, 2020. But, unfortunately, the number of cases of violence is not decreasing. Thousands of cases of domestic violence are recorded every year. According to statistics, every fifth woman in our country suffers from tyranny at home. Victims are afraid to tell relatives or friends about violence, they are afraid to report the perpetrator to the police. When the patience is over, the victims call the police and write a statement about the violence. But a strange situation arises: domestic abusers are punished less often just because their victims are afraid to tell about it. Witnesses of violence, physical, psychological, economic, or sexual, can come to the rescue in such cases.
What to do if violence is committed in front of your eyes?
- First, ask the victim if they need help and how they are feeling. Victims of sexual violence need help. Encourage them to see a doctor immediately without taking a shower or taking off their clothes, otherwise, there will be no evidence.
- Second, call the police (102) and emphasize to the offender that violence is punishable (particularly in cases of domestic tyranny).
- Third, wait for the police to arrive with the victim and make a statement. Your words as a witness will be very important.
- If the violence was committed in front of a child, it is also necessary to write a statement to the children's service.
- In the case of domestic violence, ask if the victim has a place to go. Offer to call the National Hotline for Prevention and Counteraction to Domestic Violence: 0 800 500 335 from a landline and 116 123 from a mobile phone (the hotline is open 24 hours a day, free of charge and anonymously).
IMPORTANT: The statement should be written even if the offender has escaped.
If you have a video with fragments of violence – do not rush to post it on social networks, first provide all the evidence and materials to the police.
If you hear cries for help, sounds like violence outside the neighbors' apartment, call the police (call 102). In special cases, police officers have the right to break into an apartment/house and record violence without a court order. In such cases, the offender will be issued an urgent restraining order, according to which the abuser can not see the victim for up to 10 days and can not visit their place of residence.
The non-governmental organization Public Movement “Social Unity” continues to talk about actions in cases of violence and how to counteract it. We are implementing the project "Barrier Free Ukraine for the Deaf: Countering Violence against Women with Hearing Impairments” with the support of the Fund for Social Protection of the Disabled, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Contact us through the widget on the website of the non-governmental organization Public Movement “Social Unity” se.org.ua to get advice from a psychologist and a lawyer – a sign language interpreter will help you.
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