The International Forum ‘Ukraine on the Way to Overcoming Domestic and Gender-Based Violence’ is being held in Kiev. The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in its opening. During the forum, six cities of Ukraine share their own innovative cases in this area. The deputy mayor Ksenia Sukhova spoke about innovative solutions and the results of Mariupol.
The forum brought together ministers of Ukraine, heads of international organizations, ambassadors of foreign states, governors, international experts, as well as representatives of municipalities, business, public organizations and a scientific community. They all seek to strengthen the national system for preventing and combating violence. According to the organizers, the event will become a platform for analyzing the situation, as well as discussing a strategy to achieve zero levels of violence against women and girls in Ukraine until 2030.
During the panel discussion, Ksenia Sukhova said that Mariupol is a socially responsible city, aware of the seriousness of the issues of countering and preventing domestic violence. The city uses effective methods to overcome it and on this path cooperates with a number of partners. Among them are the UN Population Fund in Ukraine, UNHCR, GIZ.
In particular, the Mariupol City Council, together with partners, signed a Memorandum of Partnership in the framework of the project ‘An integrated approach to solving the problem of violence against women and girls in Ukraine’. During this time, they opened and organized the work of a shelter for women who suffered from violence. They created mobile teams of socio-psychological assistance for the victims. They also developed mechanisms for interagency coordination of response to cases of violence. They also expanded access to assistance through training of the specialists and information campaigns.
‘Mariupol is a city that cares about its residents and does not leave them face to face with their problem. The fact that more and more people began to address issues of violence to relevant structures is the result of their trust in local authorities and the police. They believe that their problem will be heard and they will be helped. They see that they have access to security and support, the provision of socio-psychological, medical services. Together we must develop an intolerant attitude towards violence in society,’ Ksenia Sukhova said.
