Protection of human rights and the fight against violence is a priority for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, - Kateryna Pavlichenko
This was stated by the Deputy Minister of the Interior today, December 8, during the opening of the forum “Domestic Violence: A 360 View. Challenges. Possibilities. Actions”. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs within the framework of the annual World Action “16 Days Against Violence” and aims to discuss further steps towards overcoming domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a recognized problem on a global scale. Modern legal doctrine, international law and the European Convention Heritage, oblige the State to create an effective system for preventing and countering domestic violence, accessible to those affected by such violence, aimed at protecting their safety. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, taking an active part in the formation of policies to overcome domestic violence, focuses its activities on effective and consistent response to such cases,” said Kateryna Pavlichenko.
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmila Denisova stressed that violence is unacceptable and those who perpetrate it will be held accountable.
“Our citizens have become more aware, and police officers have more rights to respond to such events,” Lyudmila Denisova stressed.
Antti Hartikainen, Head of the EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine, stressed that with the adoption of the new legislation, domestic violence has become a serious offense and can be punished more effectively.
“Ukraine takes the issue of domestic violence seriously. This forum is a great platform to discuss actions to tackle domestic violence,” he added.
Kateryna Pavlichenko reminded of the important steps taken to overcome gender-based violence and domestic violence, namely, Ukraine joined the Biarritz Partnership, the President of Ukraine signed Decree No. 398/2020 “On urgent measures to prevent and combat domestic violence, violence on the basis of gender, protection of the rights of persons affected by such violence.”
“This is confirmation that the protection of human rights and the fight against any phenomenon of violence is a priority for the state,” the deputy minister said.
The discussion was also attended by Deputy Minister of Social Policy on European Integration Olga Revuk, Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Mykola Kuleba, First Deputy of the Department of Patrol Police of NPU Oleksiy Biloshitsky, People's Deputy Marina Bardina.
“Consolidation of efforts is paramount if we are talking about responding and providing assistance. This thesis is especially relevant when it comes to preventing and countering domestic violence in the context of ongoing decentralization,” said Olha Revuk.
Alexey Beloshitsky explained that in the most difficult cases of domestic violence, the police officer can assess the risks on the spot and issue a restraining order to the offender, so the victim is protected.
For 10 months of 2019, almost 9 thousand prohibitive orders were issued, then for 2020 almost 36 thousand were issued.
“It is very important not to remain silent and to report the problem so that all the bodies that interact to prevent and overcome domestic violence can help. After all, the response begins with a statement or notification of a violation. Silence is the biggest problem in this aspect,” said Alexey Beloshitsky.
In turn, Mykola Kuleba spoke about the system of protection of children from domestic violence and informed that at least three draft laws are under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada concerning the improvement of legislation in the field of prevention and combating domestic violence.
“We are convinced that only through joint efforts will we be able not only to communicate to everyone what domestic violence is and how to protect against it, but also to improve the quality of response and assistance. This is exactly what our society expects of us. Creating a safe environment free from violence is our joint task with you,” concluded Kateryna Pavlichenko.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
