Everything you need to know about domestic violence in Ukraine

Domestic violence is defined as intentional systematic actions of a physical, psychological, or economic nature committed against a spouse (former spouse) or other person with whom the perpetrator is (was) in a family or close relationship, resulting in physical or psychological suffering, health disorders, loss of working capacity, emotional dependence, or deterioration in the quality of life of the victim (Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Forms of domestic violence

1. Physical violence
   Beating, torture, causing bodily harm, restricting movement, deprivation of sleep, food, or water.
2. Psychological violence
   Humiliation, insults, harassment, intimidation, control, isolation, threats to the victim or their loved ones.
3. Economic violence
   Deprivation of housing, food, clothing, money, or documents; prohibition from working or studying; control over income and expenses.
4. Sexual violence
   Any sexual acts without consent, including coercion into sexual intercourse or prohibition from using contraception.

Who can be a victim

Referring to the Law “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence”

• 1) spouses;
• 2) former spouses;
• 3) fiancés;
• 4) mother (father) or children of one spouse (former spouse) and the other spouse (former spouse);
• 5) persons who live (lived) together as a family but are not (were not) married to each other, their parents and children;
• 6) persons who have a child (children) in common;
• 7) parents (mother, father) and child (children);
• 8) grandfather (grandmother) and grandson (granddaughter);
• 9) great-grandfather (great-grandmother) and great-grandson (great-granddaughter);
• 10) stepfather (stepmother) and stepson (stepdaughter);
• 11) siblings;
• 12) other relatives: uncle (aunt) and nephew (niece), cousins, great-uncle (great-aunt) and great-nephew (great-niece);
• 13) children of spouses, former spouses, fiancés, persons who have a common child (children) who are not common or adopted;
• 14) guardians, custodians, their children and persons who are (were) under guardianship or custody;
• 15) foster parents, foster parents, foster parents, their children and foster children, foster children, children who live (lived) in the family of a foster parent.

The perpetrators or victims may be anyone from the above list, regardless of whether they live together.

It should be noted that the legislation on preventing and combating domestic violence also applies to other relatives, other persons who are connected by common household, have mutual rights and obligations, provided that they live together. In particular, these may be friends, nannies, LGBT couples living together, etc.

It is important to note that a child who has witnessed domestic violence is a victim of domestic violence!

How they are held accountable

• Administrative — fine, community service, or arrest (Article 173-2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).
• Criminal — if intentional actions were committed systematically (Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code), restriction of liberty for up to 5 years or imprisonment for up to 2 years is provided.
• The court may issue a restraining order: a ban on approaching the victim, calling or writing to them.

Common myths

• “These are just family quarrels” — no, the law clearly distinguishes between quarrels and violence.
• “Only women can be victims” — no, victims can be all people without exception who are listed in the Law “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence.”
• “No bruises means no violence” — not true, psychological pressure or economic coercion is enough.

We will help you properly document the facts of violence, prepare statements, and protect your rights in court. If you or your loved ones have been victims of domestic violence, contact our lawyers for advice and support.