Analytical report of the findings of the baseline survey of public perceptions and attitudes towards gender-based violence against women in Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts

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Gender-based violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights, deeply rooted in gender inequality, discrimination and harmful cultural and social norms. Its impact ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences for women and girls, including death. It negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. Violence not only has negative consequences for women but also their families, the community and the country at large. It has tremendous costs, from greater health care and legal expenses and losses in productivity, impacting on national budgets and overall development.

The baseline survey of public perception and attitudes towards gender-based violence against women in Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts was conducted by UN Women Ukraine to assess public perceptions of gender-based norms and stereotypes, public awareness of gender-sensitive legislation, and understanding the role of education and media in transforming public attitudes and behaviors. The total sample size was 3,000 respondents (ages 14-70) in Zaporizhzhia, as well as Government-controlled territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblast. The survey was conducted within the framework of the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) implemented by four United Nations agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).