Number of claims of domestic violence is increasing - Kateryna Pavlichenko
The Ministry of Internal Affairs focuses on preventing and combating domestic violence. According to the Analytical and Situational Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the number of appeals to the National Police for domestic violence is increasing. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Kateryna Pavlichenko during a round table on the topic: “Ukraine's progress towards gender equality”.
“In 2023, the National Police of Ukraine received more than 291 thousand statements and reports of domestic violence. Almost twice as many criminal proceedings were opened compared to 2022. The number of administrative offenses also increased by 36%. In 2023, it is more than 163 thousand. Here it is necessary to take into account the fact that the population in Ukraine has decreased due to the temporary occupation of certain territories of our state”, - emphasized Kateryna Pavlichenko.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is working on the implementation of gender equality standards and overcoming all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, combating domestic violence and sexual violence in conditions of war.
During her speech, the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that within the framework of the platform “Safe Country” the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine launched the project “Countering domestic violence”. Its objective is to introduce a comprehensive system of prevention and counteraction to domestic violence in the conditions of martial law and in the post-war period.
According to Ekaterina Pavlichenko, the expected result of the project will be:
- improvement of national legislation in accordance with the norms of the Istanbul Convention;
- improving the effectiveness of response to appeals for domestic violence cases;
- improvement of the system of protection of victims;
- expanding the range of police activities in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence;
- raising public awareness about the inadmissibility of domestic violence.
She noted the importance of law-making work and cooperation with the deputy corps. Today, two important bills remain under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada.
The first is draft law No. 8329, aimed at implementing the norms of the Istanbul Convention. The draft law provides for liability for minors for committing domestic violence on general grounds, the impossibility of releasing the offender from administrative responsibility on grounds of minor significance, etc. The draft law is recommended to be included in the agenda of the regular session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and its adoption in the second reading.
The second is the draft law No. 5629, which regulates the use of electronic means of controlling the offender. In 2023, it was voted on in the first reading and adopted as the basis. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police actively participated in the development of this draft law.
“If the offender systematically commits domestic violence and an urgent prohibition or restraining order has been issued against him, the court may decide to apply electronic controls in relation to that offender. That is, an electronic bracelet that will warn the National Police that the offender is again trying to approach the injured person,” explained Ekaterina Pavlichenko.
According to her, during 2024, it is important for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to continue working on the formation of intolerance to domestic violence among the population and strengthen police units and their potential.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
