Over 30,500 cases of domestic violence were recorded in Ukraine in the three months of 2024. Only in January of this year, 435 criminal cases were registered. This is a 55% increase from January 2023, when 280 cases were reported, according to Opendatabot.
Growth dynamics can be followed by comparing data for the last 5 years. The level of domestic violence is increasing year by year – the only exception was the first year of a full-scale invasion.
Psychologist Inessa Harkusha talks about the reasons for the increase in the level of domestic violence, the impact of war and explains where victims of violence should go.
Why is domestic violence increasing? What could be the main reasons for the growth of this shameful phenomenon?
It begins with the fact that potential abusers imitate the behavior of the father or a more influential person in the family. However, the main reasons are different. Significant factors here can be a low level of education, violence experienced in childhood, alcohol and drug addiction. Often, violence is caused by hidden factors: pathological jealousy, low or high self-esteem, unfulfilled childhood dreams, mental disorders and diseases.
How does war affect levels of aggression and stress in the population, and how does this relate to domestic violence?
Russian aggression against Ukraine brought our emotional tension to a critically high level. This especially applies to the frontline areas. There is a loss of housing and other property, regular shelling of civilian settlements – all this inevitably leads to an increase in aggression.
The likelihood of violence increases in families that have been forced to move from dangerous areas to safer places. This especially applies to those who have gone abroad. They found themselves in an unfamiliar environment where different laws apply, an environment with a different culture, language, and traditions. All this, one way or another, causes stress. For example, if the mother left with the children, then in this situation the children may experience violence.
Where should victims of domestic violence turn?
Victims of violence rarely go anywhere. They usually try to solve the problem on their own, so they turn to relatives or friends who could influence the abuser. Instead, I advise you to consult a psychologist or a doctor if this is a mentally traumatized person.
But still, first of all, you need to contact the police. Law enforcement officers arrive on call and establish the necessary circumstances. If there are photos or videos, they must be provided to the police. In this case, a protocol is drawn up, which will be sent to the court in the future, and after the case has been considered and the court’s verdict, the offender can be held administratively or criminally liable.
Also, on the website of the Ombudsman of Ukraine, it is advised to contact the “hotline” numbers:
- free and 24-hour “hotline” 15-47 (on combating human trafficking, preventing and combating domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against children)
- national “hotline” for the prevention of domestic violence, human trafficking and gender discrimination 0 800 500 335 (free from landlines and mobile phones) or by a short number (free from mobile phones) 116 123
By calling any of these numbers, you can get psychosocial and legal support, as well as advice on what to do next.
We urge you not to keep silent about the facts of domestic violence and contact the police.
Anastasia Simonenko
