Information on Gender-based Violence and UNHCR support

Help in case of violence

πŸ†˜ For emergency assistance, please contact these toll-free hotlines:
116123 La Strada (psychological and legal aid, GBV counseling and referrals)
1547 Governmental survivor support crisis line
103 Ambulance 
102 Police 

What is Gender-based Violence (GBV)? GBV is violence committed against a person because of his or her sex or gender. It involves forcing another person to do something against his or her will through violence, coercion, threats, deception, cultural expectations, or economic means.

Need help? You are not alone.

UNHCR GBV partner organizations are here to support you. You can get:
βœ”οΈ Emotional and psychosocial support
βœ”οΈ Service navigation, including medical care, in case of violence
βœ”οΈ Find safe housing
βœ”οΈ Get legal assistance
βœ”οΈ Help with reporting to the Police

All services are Free of charge.

UNHCR Ukraine GBV partner organizations coverage 2025

πŸ’¬ You can talk to someone about your worries – right away or when you’re ready.

πŸ”’ Your privacy matters. All services can be confidential, and you’ll only receive help if you choose. You can change your mind anytime.

ROKADA
GBV support services in Sumska region

πŸ“± Contact: +38 067 337 09 85 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–18:00)
πŸ“ Address: Sumy, avenue Svobody, 50
🌐 Web-page: https://rokada.org.ua/en/
TTA (The Tenth of April)
GBV support services in Cherkaska, Khersonska, Kirovohradska, Zaporizka, Mykolaivska, Kharkivska, Odeska, Donetska, Dnipropetrovska regions

πŸ“± Contact: 0800 33 28 58 (Mon–Sat, 9:00–19:00)
πŸ“ Address: Odesa, Heroiv Krut street, 15 (of. 501)
🌐 Web-page: https://dk.od.ua/en/
LoH (Light of Hope)
GBV support services in Poltavska region

πŸ“± Contact: +38 066 829 55 73 (24/7)
πŸ“ Address: Poltava, Symona Petliury Street, 28a
🌐 Web-page: https://www.lightofhope.com.ua/en
Neemia
GBV support services in Zakarpatska region

πŸ“± Contact: +38 067 888 62 90 (Mon–Sun, 8:00–22:00)
πŸ“ Address: Uzhhorod, Verkhovynska Street, 36
🌐 Web-page: https://nehemiah.org.ua

Useful mobile applications:

My Pol – Apps on Google Play

The mobile app works with the main regional National Police departments and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine! Emergency SOS call, Sending photos with the scene of crime.

ΠšΡ€ΠΈΠ»Π° – Apps on Google Play

The mobile app will work to help women get emergency support in case of domestic violence. In its hidden part there is a button to call the National Police of Ukraine and information about emergency services.

Different forms of GBV:

  • Physical violence: any act of physical violence that is not sexual in nature and results in pain, discomfort or injury, such as domestic violence.
  • Sexual violence: any form of non-consensual sexual contact, such as rape (including in the context of marriage), sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, trafficking and inappropriate touching.
  • Economical abuse: denial of resources, opportunities or services, assets or livelihood opportunities, education, health or other social services.
  • Psychological/emotional abuse: threats of physical or sexual violence, intimidation, humiliation, forced isolation, stalking, harassment, unwanted attention, remarks, gestures or written words of a sexual and/or menacing nature, destruction of cherished things, etc.

If you experience violence, there are different services in Ukraine that can help you:

  • Individual support – A trained worker will listen to you, help you understand what support you can receive, and guide you to other services with your consent.
  • Medical Help – It is important to understand the consequences of experienced gender-based violence. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible following sexual violence, especially before 72 hours have passed, can help prevent serious health problems, infections, or unwanted pregnancy. Medical care can also treat any injuries.
  • Emotional Support – You can talk to specialists who will help you cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression and support your emotional and social recovery.
  • Legal Support – You can get information about your rights and support in seeking justice.
  • Shelter for survivors – If you are in danger, you can stay for free in a secure place where you and your family will be protected from further violence.
  • Safe Spaces – A welcoming place, free of charge, where women and girls can feel safe, connect with others, and get information about available help.
  • Security/Police – You can contact the police to protect yourself and report the violence.