Help in case of violence
| š For emergency assistance, please contact these toll-free hotlines: |
| 1547 GovernmentalĀ survivor support crisis line 103Ā AmbulanceĀ 102Ā PoliceĀ 0800500335 La Strada (psychological and legal aid, GBV counseling and referrals) |
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.
GBV disproportionately affects women and girls, and in situations of displacement their risk of exposure to GBV increases.
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 ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā You can get information about your rights and support in seeking justice.
- Shelter for survivors ā 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 ā A welcoming place, free of charge, where women and girls can feel safe, connect with others, and get information about available help.
- Security/Police ā You can contact the police to protect yourself and report the violence.