16 DAYS AGAINST VIOLENCE: THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

Statistics show that women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. Constant stress, constant maltreatment, fatigue, and limited access to basic needs significantly increase the risk of such violence.

During humanitarian crises, the statistics are alarming: approximately 70% of women experience violence, yet only about a third seek help.

In times of war, this tendency becomes even more dangerous, as survivors often downplay their pain in light of larger national challenges, attribute harm to the emotions or character of the perpetrator, and consider seeking help as “not at the right time.”

UN Ukraine Launches the #StopViolenceNow Campaign to emphasize that countering violence cannot wait, the UN in Ukraine is launching the #StopViolenceNow campaign. The war starkly reminds us that every life is invaluable and that we may not get another chance to act.

• Now is the best time to seek help, support a loved one, assist a stranger, or simply learn more about the issue.
• Now is the time to challenge harmful beliefs, reject stereotypes, show empathy and humanity, and offer a helping hand to those in need.
• Now is the moment to take the first step and say #NoToGenderBasedViolence.

But how do you know if this affects you or someone you care about?

#LearnMoreNow

Gender-based violence refers to actions targeting an individual because of their sex or gender, causing physical, psychological, sexual, or economic harm. Common forms include domestic violence, harassment, intimate partner violence, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and other harmful practices.

Often, gender-based violence is so deeply ingrained in the lives of survivors that it may even seem normal. But it is not. The longer we delay addressing it, the tighter the cycle of violence becomes. Breaking this cycle requires effort and the courage to act now.

Economic violence is the control over your finances that limits your freedom and rights. The abuser can forbid work, study, force to report expenses or leave without money.

How to say #StopViolenceNow and help yourself if you know economic violence?

• Form a circle of communication, independent of the abuser, ask for support from relatives.
• Find a way to earn money. If the abuser prohibits working outside the home, look for work online.
• Create financial savings. Start saving in a separate secret account.
• Collect important documents, make copies and protect them in a safe place.
• Contact the psychological support and counseling service.

Online violence has real consequences.

At first glance, seemingly insignificant insults, comments, and messages online can cause harm, leaving a mark on both personal and professional lives. Public figures, particularly women working in media, are often the most affected.

We urge you to take virtual threats seriously, as online threats are frequently followed by physical ones.

#TakeTheFirstStepNow

In order to stay oriented in a critical situation and protect yourself and your loved ones in cases of domestic violence, it’s essential to create a personal safety plan.

As part of #16DaysAgainstViolence, we share tips that will tell you how to do this:

In order to stay oriented in a critical situation and protect yourself and your loved ones in cases of domestic violence, it’s essential to create a personal safety plan.

As part of #16DaysAgainstViolence, we share tips that will tell you how to do this:

• Determine how to quickly leave the apartment or house.
• Find a place you can stay for a night. Relatives, friends, or shelter. Think through how to quickly get there.
• Tell about your situation to close people and maintain connection with them. Ask them to immediately call the police in case of necessity.
• Keep important documents, money, a spare cell phone, and a list of important contacts in a safe place. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items (medicine, clothing, hygiene products).
• Remember the hotlines' phone numbers: National: 0 800 500 335 (landline), 116 123 (mobile), or Governmental: 15-47.
• If the situation becomes critical, call the police at 102.

If you have experienced gender-based violence, it is crucial to take the first step:

• Reach out to specialized support services.
• Talk to someone you trust.

If you witness gender-based violence:

• Document the situation.
• Contact support services.
• Offer assistance, including sharing information about available resources.

If someone close to you is affected:

• Show your support by letting them know you’re there for them.
• Share contacts for support services.

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, support services continue to operate and actively assist survivors by providing psychological, informational, and legal support. All services are free, confidential, and accessible to everyone.

How does the law of Ukraine protect against violence?
According to the legislation of Ukraine, responsibility is provided for gender-based violence. The law also guarantees victims access to medical, social and psychological assistance, as well as protection from the perpetrator.

The executor of this protection is the police. Calling 102 is an important first step towards getting help. It is the police who must record the fact of violence, provide temporary restrictions for the offenders and start the necessary investigation.

#DoNotStaySilent

Each of us can help combat gender-based violence by raising awareness. We encourage everyone to spread information about support services and amplify the voices of those fighting for a life free from violence.

Your participation in #16DaysAgainstViolence, words of support for survivors, or even sharing a campaign post with the hashtag #StopViolenceNow can make a positive difference in addressing this issue in Ukraine.

You can join the campaign and share key messages with your audience by using visual materials available via these links:

• Project Profile Picture
• Facebook Cover Photo
• Key Campaign Image

Together, we can stop violence. Let’s start acting #Now.