In November, as part of the joint campaign of AFEW International and AFEW-Ukraine, “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” we interviewed Alyona Kryvulyak, Director of the National Hotlines and Social Assistance Department at the NGO La Strada-Ukraine.
In this interview, Alyona shared important insights for those who find themselves in situations of violence and highlighted helpful organizations and legal assistance available in such cases. The goal of the interview was to raise awareness about how to act in crises and where to seek support.
The interview also addressed the issue of confidentiality when seeking help and the challenges men and other social groups face in accessing assistance. Ukraine still faces significant gaps in providing sufficient shelters and specialized support centers, which require attention at the state level.
All these factors emphasize the need to increase awareness about violence and available resources, as well as to strengthen the system of protection for survivors of violence in Ukraine.
“It is important to understand that shelters and services for those who survived violence are available to everyone on equal terms. For instance, a person living with HIV can access medical care or other specialized services, but the general rules are the same for everyone.”
Question 1
What specific signs of domestic violence might be less obvious but still harmful?
According to the law, domestic violence is categorized into four types: psychological, physical, economic, and sexual violence. Below are the less obvious but equally damaging manifestations of each type:
- Psychological Violence: This is often the least apparent form of abuse. Examples include systematic comparisons with others (e.g., “You’re not as good at cooking as my ex”) or verbal humiliation. Many mistakenly view such behavior as “normal” in relationships, but it is a harmful and systematic form of control.
- Physical Violence: The most easily identifiable type. It goes beyond beating and includes pushing, slapping, or twisting arms. Even seemingly “mild” forms, such as giving someone a cuff on the head, are unacceptable and constitute violence.
- Economic Violence: This type can be harder to recognize. It includes prohibiting a partner from working or studying, or exercising excessive control over finances (e.g., demanding a report for every purchase). Manipulation or blackmail involving shared finances, where one partner uses money for their own needs while depriving the other, also qualifies as economic abuse.
- Sexual Violence: Often associated only with rape, this type also includes unwanted touches, coercion into certain acts, or threats (e.g., “If we don’t have sex, I’ll find someone else”). It can also involve sexting or the use of intimate photos for blackmail.
These less obvious signs highlight the need for vigilance and awareness. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward addressing and preventing domestic violence.
Question 2
If someone experiences sexual violence in the form of sexting, what key safety tips can be recommended?
It’s crucial to remember that any content shared in the virtual world can never be fully erased. Before sending intimate materials, it’s important to understand the risks. People often disregard this in moments of emotional excitement but later may fall victim to manipulation or blackmail.
Each type of violence has its specific characteristics and requires attention. The key is to learn to identify these manifestations and seek help, even if they seem “normal” or “insignificant.”
Question 3
Which type of violence is most prevalent in Ukraine, and how often do different types of violence overlap?
In most cases, violence is multifaceted and involves several types, such as psychological, physical, economic, or sexual abuse. The most common combination is psychological and physical violence. Psychological violence can exist independently but often serves as a foundation for other forms, such as physical or sexual violence. For instance, sexual violence is typically accompanied by psychological or physical coercion.
Question 4
What steps should a victim take if they decide to seek help or file a complaint?
- Contact the police: Call the police via 102 or 112, or visit your local police department. It is also helpful to know your community police officer.
- Seek medical assistance: In cases of physical or sexual violence, call an ambulance at 103. Medical institutions are obligated to provide care regardless of the victim’s status (e.g., HIV-positive, sex worker, etc.).
- Protect your rights: Familiarize yourself with the law on preventing domestic violence and the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding rape or sexual violence.
- Report inaction: If the police or medical personnel refuse to assist, contact the hotlines of the National Police or the Ministry of Health.
- Free legal aid: Victims have the right to a state-provided lawyer at no cost.
Question 5
What is the situation with shelters for victims of domestic violence?
There are insufficient shelters in Ukraine, particularly during the war. Existing shelters are often designed exclusively for women with children. Men who experience violence typically have access only to general social and psychological assistance centers, which lack specialized services.
A positive development is the establishment of Rescue Assistance Centers that provide medical and psychological services regardless of the victim’s gender, status, or social background. However, the number of such centers remains limited.
Question 6
What should someone do if they experience discrimination when seeking help?
Discrimination is prohibited under Ukrainian law. If assistance is denied based on social status (e.g., being HIV-positive or a sex worker), complaints should be made to the hotlines of the police or the Ministry of Health. State and medical institutions are legally obligated to assist and cannot refuse help.
Question 7
Does Ukraine meet international standards for protecting victims of violence?
While Ukraine has ratified the Istanbul Convention, it does not fully meet its standards. A major issue is the lack of shelters, even in large cities like Kyiv. Greater focus is needed on creating specialized services for all categories of victims, including men.
Question 8
What is the ratio of violence cases among women and men?
The vast majority of victims are women. According to the statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, approximately 80% of cases involve women, while 20% involve men. However, during the full-scale war, the number of cases involving men has increased, particularly among older men who experience violence from relatives, such as children or grandchildren. These cases often involve financial abuse, where pensions are taken, or physical violence is used to extort money.
Question 9
How can victims maintain anonymity and confidentiality when seeking help, especially in small communities?
In the non-governmental sector, principles of confidentiality and ethical codes are strictly followed. In state institutions, such as the police, it is necessary to identify oneself and the perpetrator for investigation and protection purposes. Shelters also uphold confidentiality but may require certain information, such as health details (e.g., open tuberculosis), for internal records or safety purposes.
In small communities, maintaining confidentiality is more challenging due to human factors. Cases of sexual violence in such areas often lead to stigmatization from neighbors, forcing victims to leave their communities.
Question 10
Can relatives or neighbors seek help on behalf of victims?
For adult victims, action can only be taken with their consent. Exceptions include cases involving individuals who are legally incapacitated, where guardians or concerned individuals may report on their behalf. For children, any concerned adult has the right to report incidents of violence, and relevant authorities are obligated to respond even without the child’s consent.
Question 11
What should be done if the police refuse to respond without confirmation from the victim?
The police cannot act without confirmation of violence from the victim if the victim is capable of doing so. In such cases, the victim’s close circle must provide emotional support, help them understand that violence is not normal, and encourage them to seek assistance.
Thanks to Ms. Alona, we learned about the various forms of domestic violence, including less obvious ones such as psychological, economic, and sexual violence. These types of violence may go unnoticed, but their impact on victims is profound and harmful. We also discussed the important steps that a victim should take to seek help, as well as legal mechanisms for protecting victims’ rights.
