UNDP in Ukraine

Facts and figures:
According to social polls, 95% of victims of domestic violence in Ukraine are women. In 75% of cases of domestic violence, children suffer as well. As experts say, violence against women and children poses a real threat to harmonious and sustainable development of Ukrainian society. It also creates an obstacle on the path to reaching the Millennium Development Goals and ensuring gender equality.

In Ukraine, as experts say, one in three women is suffering from violence perpetrated by her husband or partner.

The first wave of outdoor social advertising against domestic violence started in Kyiv in early May. It proclaims "It's enough to bear such gifts!" and features bruises on a woman's wrist and neck in the form of braceletes and necklaces - the popular presents men give to their girlfriends and wives. The advertisements call on women to stop enduring violence and ask for help using the national "hot line" number 8 800 500 33 50.

This advertisement was created in the framework of the National Campaign "Stop Violence!", coordinated by the Ministry for Family, Youth and Sport and supported by international and non-governmental organizations such as UNDP, SIDA, the Delegation of European Commission to Ukraine and others. The creative ideas were offered pro bono and put into practical realization by one of Ukraine's leading Advertising agencies - TABASCO.

Background information:
In 2007, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launched an international campaign for the eradication of violence against women. This campaign, named "UNite to End Violence against Women", will last till 2015.
In the framework of this international campaign, the Ministry for family, youth and sport of Ukraine together with several public and international organizations started a national campaign focused on combating domestic violence and violence against women and children. The national campaign "Stop Violence!" started in Ukraine in 2008.

The National Forum "Stop Violence!" was conducted in October 2008 and resulted in the adoption of the National Platform of Actions as well as an action plan for its realization. The members of the Forum also started the process of elaboration and implementation of minimal standards of help and support provided to victims of violence.

In 2009, on International Women's Day, famous Ukrainian men united in the "National network of men-leaders against violence".
In May 2009 the first wave of outdoor social advertising started in Kiev.
It is planned to extend the advertisement to all Ukrainian regions in June 2009.

What are the different forms of violence?

Violence in the family - any kind of intentional violent acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic nature perpetrated against a family member, if these acts infract constitutional rights and liberties and inflict moral, physical or psychological damage.

Physical violence in the family - intentional infliction of corporal injuries to a family member, that have or can lead to death, physical or psychological damage, damage to the victim's honour and dignity.

Sexual violence in the family - unlawful infringement of sexual integrity of a family member and sexual acts against a minor in the family.

Psychological violence in the family - verbal abuses, threats, pursuits, intimidation and terrorization of a family member that lead to emotional instability and psychological harm.

Economic violence in the family - deliberate deprivation of a family member of domicile, food, clothes and other legal possessions or belongings that can lead to death or physical and psychological injuries.

Where to get advice and help?

National Hot Line for fighting domestic violence and protecting children rights is operational Monday-Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm:

8 800 500 33 50

(+ 38 044 205 36 94 -- for calls from abroad)

For more information, contact Mykola Yabchenko (Equal Opportunities and Women's Rights in Ukraine Programme): +38 067 290 55 01, +38 044 569 40 75, mykola.yabchenko AT undp.org.ua.