The number of domestic violence cases has increased by 20%: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Parliament are working to strengthen responsibility
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine together with MPs initiated amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses to strengthen responsibility for persons who committed domestic violence or gender-based violence. This is due to the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.
The Istanbul Convention defines violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination. And also offers strategies to eradicate these phenomena.
On June 20, 2022, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law “On the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Combating These Phenomena”. According to it, Ukraine has undertaken a number of obligations to bring its regulations into line with the provisions of the Convention. In particular, this also applies to the proper investigation of the facts of violence and the bringing of perpetrators to justice.
In 2023, the National Police of Ukraine registered more than 291 thousand cases of domestic violence. This is 20% more than in 2022 -. The number of registered criminal offences increased by 80% (from 1498 to 2701). In addition, 36% more administrative offenses were detected.
However, according to the forecasts of the Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 2024, the number of administrative offenses is expected to increase to 21%, and criminal to 30%.
In just two months of 2024, 56% more criminal offenses related to domestic violence were registered in Ukraine. The growth dynamics among administrative offenses is lower, 21% more than in 2023.
Therefore, the draft law No. 8329 “On Amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses in Connection with the Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Combating These Phenomena” initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Parliamentarians (Istanbul Convention)” it is proposed to strengthen responsibility for the commission of domestic or gender-based violence.
The draft law was adopted on the basis by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on November 22, 2023. Soon the document will be submitted to the people's deputies for adoption as a whole.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
