2 3 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

INTRODUCTION 7

SECTION 1. GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS IN 9 THE PRISM OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS AND SECONDARY DATA 1.1. Administrative data on GBV: new trends and gaps in information 9 provision 1.2. Coverage of the problem of GBV in the mass-media and information 16 environment: analysis of secondary data SECTION 2. PREVALENCE OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT- 21 AFFECTED REGIONS: SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY RESULTS 2.1. Survey methodology and design 21 2.2. Social-demographic characteristics of survey respondents 24 2.3. Experience of violence outside of family during the conflict and 29 displacement Experience of intimate partner violence during the conflict 37 Current mental health and well-being of survey respondents 44 SECTION 3. QUALITATIVE STUDY OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE 46 CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS BASED ON DATA OF FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES 3.1. Public attitudes to the problem of GBV and assessment of impact of 46 the military conflict on GBV prevalence 3.2. Access to services of GBV survivors and needs assessment at the 53 local community level SECTION 4. SITUATION ANALYSIS ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE 57 CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS: KEY RESULTS OF IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH EXPERTS CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 65

ANNEXES 2 ANNEX A. Terms of reference of the study 3 ANNEX B. Administrative data on crime offences related to gender-based violence in the conflict-affected regions ANNEX C. Survey tools and design ANNEX D. Prevalence of gender-based violence in the conflict-affected regions ANNEX E. Prevalence of intimate partner violence ANNEX F. Current mental health of survey respondents ANNEX G. Design of focus group discussions ANNEX H. Technical report on conducting in-depth interviews with experts on preventing gender-based violence in the survey regions UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

ABBREVIATIONS

ATO Antiterrorist operation CPC Criminal Procedural Code CSO Civil society organization CSSFCY Centre of Social Services for Family, Children and Youth DV Domestic violence ICS Interdepartmental Coordination Staff IDP Internally displaced person GBV Gender-based violence MoI Ministry of Interior 4 5 4 MoSP Ministry of Social Policy NAS National Academy of Sciences NGCA Non-Government controlled area NGO Non-governmental organization PGO Prosecutor General’s Office PTS Post-traumatic syndrome SRPI Single Register of Prejudicial Investigations UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. In summer of 2015, UNFPA commissioned a survey and representativeness; use of anecdotal evidence on gender-based violence (GBV) in the conflict- could lead to “mythologizing” selected episodes affected regions of eastern Ukraine, in particular and distorting the general picture. In times of armed in the government-controlled areas of Donetsk conflict, information on GBV can be also used as and Lugansk oblasts, and in Dnipropetrovsk, means to manipulate public attitudes or even as Zaporizhzhya and Kharkiv oblasts, those which propaganda – a direct instrument of the information host the main influx of internally displaced persons war. As monitoring of the mass media revealed, news (IDPs). The survey tasks were focused on reviewing reports paid more attention to highlighting which the available administrative data on related criminal party to the conflict perpetrated the acts rather than offences, content analysis of secondary data on focusing on the prevention policies or practice of GBV, conducting a special sample population bringing those liable to justice. survey on GBV issues, focus group discussions with representatives of local communities and in-depth 4. Sociological surveys remain reliable sources of interviews with key informants (experts involved into information, as data aggregation through statistical various aspects of GBV response in the regions of procedures provides depersonalization of all findings, the study). while the method of individual interviews allows for establishing a rapport with respondents and gives 2. Administrative data on GBV describes only the “tip the opportunity to clarify specific points. However, of the iceberg”, as only a few survivors usually ask GBV surveys are challenging with regard to the high for help due to social and cultural barriers, failing sensitivity of the topic and possible stigmatization legislation and overly institutionalized environment. of survivors in the community. In the conditions of In the conditions of an on-going conflict and the loss an on-going conflict, such surveys require increased of control by central authorities over large territories, attention to safety of all participants, ethical the reliability of administrative data is declining, as standards and confidentiality. That is why the survey the registered crime rates are influenced by problems was conducted by specially trained interviewers. with the statistical audit of criminal offences and In order to raise the population’s awareness of the total population numbers. The regions of the study services available for GBV survivors, information on have been traditionally characterized by high crime these services was updated and generalized in all rates; intensive fighting in Donetsk and Lugansk regions covered by the study. The survey tools were 4 oblasts and large-scale flows of IDPs resulted in a developed in accordance with the approaches of 5 further aggravation of the crime situation there. the Gender-based Violence Tools Manual in Conflict- Even accounting for the significant underreporting Affected Settings adjusted to Ukraine’s social and of criminal offenses, a small increase in the number cultural context with the involvement of a broad of registered rapes was observed in the regions range of national and international experts. The bordering the antiterrorist operation (ATO) area; the survey topics were focused on the experience of number of women surviving theft and fraud has also various forms of violence outside the family during grown. the conflict (and during displacement for IDPs), partner violence and the general public’s attitudes to 3. The problem of GBV in the conflict setting has this problem, the practice of survivors seeking help gained largescale public attention in the Ukrainian and their coping strategies in cases of GBV. During society with certain cases being widely discussed the fieldwork, interviews were conducted with 1,505 in the mass media. However, the quality of this women from the conflict-affected regions, and 1,007 information has significant gaps in terms of reliability displaced women staying in host communities there. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

5. The survey confirmed the increased vulnerability the need for accessible services of psychological to various forms of violence in the conflict setting support is acute not only for the reported survivors – the share of IDP women reporting at least one of violence, but also for the broader contingents of instance of violence outside the family before their IDPs. displacement was three times higher than that of local women during the entire conflict (15.2% 8. According to the survey results, there is no common against 5.3% of respondents). The survey program practice to seek assistance from specialized suggested a study of various types of psychological, institutions in cases of violence. The overwhelming economic, physical and sexual violence. Among the numbers of survivors have not applied for most prevalent forms of abuse during the conflict, psychological or legal support, neither have they both groups of respondents reported instances of applied for medical assistance. The main causes for humiliation, insults, intimidation, blackmail, verbal not applying for assistance according to respondents threats, physical violence (being hit or slapped), were unawareness of the availability of services, confiscation of money or property, confiscation absence of proper institutions in communities of official documents, forced labour without pay and mistrust in service personnel. One in ten IDP or for a pittance, and being subjected to improper survivors hadn’t sought the assistance of law sexual comments. In spite of the wide-spread taboo enforcement bodies because of the fear of further towards sexual violence, some episodes were also violence. As a whole, survivors of violence usually documented during the survey. share their experience with those they are the closest to (such as family members and friends). 6. The conflict’s impact on GBV risks is also seen The emotional support provided by friends and through the generalization of circumstances of the loved ones is regarded as the most effective coping most serious episodes of violence. In particular, strategy in cases of violence. Some expectations violent situations survived by women in local of help were expressed for the assistance of communities reflected a snapshot of the everyday psychologists and representatives of NGOs and life of the Ukrainian society: most episodes were women’s support groups. caused by one perpetrator whom the victim knew personally; they were alone at the time and did 9. One of the survey components was focused on not face any particular threat to personal safety. In partner violence in terms of the personal experience contrast, the prevailing numbers of IDP survivors of respondents and the general public’s attitudes to have encountered violent situations caused by this problem. The focus group discussions revealed groups of people that the survivors did not know that in many minds, there is a clear distinction personally; they faced direct threats to their lives between those forms of violence that may occur in at the time of the incident, and confirmed that the family and sexual violence that happens in the witnesses were also in danger. The checkpoints at outside society. The attitudes to these problems the demarcation line were regarded among the most differ in terms of the perception of criminal liability dangerous locations in terms of vulnerability to all and the severity of the offence. While the facts of forms of violence. sexual abuse cause a criminalisation of the attacker among community members, domestic violence 7. The experience of violence is not just reflected in is primarily considered a usual phenomenon that physical health (although the survivors of violence should not attract a lot of attention. Though women during the conflict mostly mentioned minor injuries, do not justify physical violence and controlling there were serious traumas reported, as well as behaviour in marriage, they accept the assistance of sexually transmitted diseases and exacerbations outsiders in spousal conflicts only in extreme cases of other diseases); it could also result in important which if unchecked may lead to severe injury. psychological consequences, including life-long 6 effects for the victim. As a result of displacement, 10. The survey not only confirmed the sustainable 7 the deprivation from normal life, these psychological stereotypical attitudes to gender roles within a effects are much more intense among IDPs. The most Ukrainian family; it also provided grounds to argue prevalent disorders included intrusive memories for the strengthening of such stereotypes during (flashbacks), significant changes in sleep patterns the time of military conflict and humanitarian and repeated nightmares, and a permanent feeling crisis. Despite the fact that there is a subjective of fear or guilt. These problems could adversely assessment of an increased amount of conflicts influence resistibility to conflict among IDPs, within the society and in the family, the survey has potentially provoking the risk of increased domestic not revealed any significant influence of the military violence and violence outside the family. This is why conflict in Donbas on partner violence (7.9% of IDPs UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

and 7.5% of local women reported that they faced 13. The assessment of the needs in improving GBV intimate partner violence (IPV) before the conflict, policies provided grounds for recommendations while the corresponding reported rates were 6.9% on institutional policy reforms (full adjustment of and 8.2% during the last 12 months). Some decrease Ukraine’s legislation on GBV issues into compliance in the IPV rates among displaced persons may be with international standards, strengthening penalties explained by women’s transition to more traditional, for abusers and ensuring the abuser’s isolation from patriarchal models of marital relations in front of the survivors of domestic violence, including a system of new challenges of survival at the time of a deep crisis. protection orders), capacity building of multi-sectoral As focus group discussions revealed, the “value” of service providers (improving functional coordination men as breadwinners is increasing because of the among participating bodies, creation of a single large-scale mobilization of men to the army; this may interdepartmental database on GBV cases that would influence female perceptions of domestic violence and enable providing timely referrals to proper services identification of its particular forms. for survivors, training of skilled experts in all fields of GBV response, in particular crisis psychologists), 11. Experience of IPV is leading to significant health improving the system of support of GBV survivors issues among survivors (12% of married women (expansion of the network of providers of social confirmed some sort of physical injury perpetrated and psychological services, development of by their husband/partners), including issues of emergency psychological services and ensuring their reproductive health. At the same time, public accessibility at the local level, creation of shelters disapproval of applying for specialized assistance for survivors of domestic violence, state support in cases of domestic violence and the prevalent of NGOs and CSOs involved in GBV response, stigmatizing of survivors in communities inhibits implementation of corrective programs for abusers), the efficiency of any support. Population awareness and expansion of information campaigns for those on available services for GBV survivors and specific at risk of GBV through awareness raising programs service providers remains low; there is no proper (safety planning, support of the 24-hour hot lines at planning of safety strategies – almost a half of IPV the regional level, fostering the practice of applying survivors do not know how to deal with a repeat for psychological and social support) and educative situation. Thus, there is a need for awareness raising work with disadvantaged families and vulnerable campaigns, targeted at disseminating information on population groups. The target group of social and safety planning and coping strategies for IPV. psychological support should include families of demobilized military personnel returning to their 12. The systematic character of problems that restrain families after participating in the ATO. In light of the the efficiency of public policies on GBV prevention on-going military conflict, particular attention should was acknowledged by in-depth interviews with be paid to the prevention of any form of violence regional experts from various institutional sectors. against the civil population, as well as biased The new challenges related to the military conflict attitudes towards internally displaced people, and and appearance of IDPs have just lead to a further the support of their comprehensive integration into aggravation of the existing gaps. Among the basic hosting communities. institutional failings are poorly established systems of coordination of activities and cooperation among experts, absence of regular information exchange and a single database of GBV cases, lack of skilled experts in the field of GBV and retention of such experts, the residual principle of funding for respective activities. The provision of timely and efficient support to GBV survivors is restrained by a lack of 24-hour hot lines 6 at the regional level, absence of any emergency 7 psychological support in local communities, lack of shelters for survivors of domestic violence, scarce correctional programs for abusers and the absence of compulsive instruments to make them attend these programs. The prevalence of GBV in the society roots also in the insufficient consideration of gender concepts in the education system, and in the underdeveloped system of comprehensive training of young people to prepare them for adulthood.. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

INTRODUCTION

Gender-based violence It is acknowledged that risks of GBV development of effective measures (GBV) is regarded among increase in conditions of military of policy response at the national and the most common human conflict and humanitarian crisis. community levels. Degradation and ruination of the rights violations, occurring community level public service In summer of 2015, using the support all over the world. According system, the lack of law enforcement, of international donors and its own to empirical evidence, limited access to health facilities and funds, UNFPA launched a situational GBV disproportionately providers of social and psychological analysis on the prevalence and affects women because of support result in an increased features of GBV in the conflict setting. the unequal distribution vulnerability of violence survivors in The tasks of the study were focused of powers and resources times of armed conflict. The scales on the collecting and aggregation of domestic violence can increase of reliable information on GBV rates between women and in these circumstances, while the in the conflict-affected regions men, women’s economic spread of poverty and deprivations (Terms of Reference are presented vulnerability and their of a normal lifestyle pave the way for in Annex A). The methodological dependent position in the new forms of GBV, such as human grounds of the study were based family. Women and girls are trafficking or forced prostitution. on basic international standards not only facing high risks of and recommendations for GBV 1 GBV, but suffer from a lack The political destabilization and start assessment in conflict settings of the military conflict in eastern adjusted to Ukraine’s socio-cultural of capacity and resources Ukraine in 2014 were accompanied context with the involvement of a wide needed to prevent or by numerous cases of human rights range of national and international avoid situations of GBV, to violations, including evidence of experts. The study comprised a desk seek justice and support. gender-based violence in the regions review of available publications and They are also particularly affected by military operations. legislation related to GBV, a sample vulnerable to the negative The creation of large-scale flows survey among permanent residents effects of violence, including of internally displaced persons and IDPs, focus group discussions (IDPs) resulted in new humanitarian to enrich and refine the survey unwanted pregnancy, unsafe challenges related to the need to findings, and also key informant abortions and the issues provide social support to numerous interviews to better understand of reproductive health, the contingents of people forced to leave the design and performance of risk of sexually transmitted their homes due to armed conflict, to the national GBV prevention and diseases and HIV infection. adapt them to new conditions of life response machinery. The study tools Psychological stress and and to integrate them into the society. development was coordinated by the attributes of post-traumatic leading developer of international In these crisis conditions, some methodology to ensure compliance syndrome can lead to long- international organizations initiated with international technical and ethical term negative consequences situational analyses and assessments standards; to validate the results, an that affect all dimensions of of humanitarian needs of the international consultant was involved women’s lives. population, and provided an adequate in the interpretation of data and the response to the new challenges preparation of the analytical report. through the development of targeted 8 strategies of support. However, in spite The study was conducted by experts 9 of a common acknowledgment of the of the Ukrainian Centre for Social high risks of GBV during the conflict, Reforms in the government-controlled most of these assessments did not areas of Donetsk and Lugansk provide a deep analysis of GBV oblasts, and in Dnipropetrovsk, prevalence in the conflict-affected Zaporizhzhya and Kharkiv oblasts regions. Respectively, the lack of hosting the main inflow of IDPs. The reliable information on the extent and fieldwork was implemented by the manifestations of GBV restrained the permanent network of interviewers

1 UN IASC Guidelines for Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings (2005), the RHRC Consortium Gender-based Violence Tools Manual For Assessment & Program Design, Monitoring & Evaluation in conflict-affected settings (2004) and the WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies (2007). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

of the sociological agency “Centre proposals for further development for Social Monitoring” in September of policies on GBV which can be SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY and October of 2015. To assess applied at different levels of decision- INCLUDED: respondents’ personal experience of making by representatives of various GBV and to estimate and compare sectors and institutions of civil society • collection and generalization their vulnerability to manifestations involved in GBV response. of official data of of violence during the conflict, administrative statistics two target groups of respondents regarding GBV prevalence in were selected: women among IDPs five regions covered by the and women among permanent study; population of the regions. The survey was conducted by specially trained interviewers in accordance with • content analysis of the all technical standards and ethical secondary data on GBV, in considerations of similar surveys; to particular – coverage of the raise population awareness of GBV relevant information in the and provide referrals in cases of need, mass media and information relevant information on the available environment; services for GBV survivors was The study report was prepared updated in all regions covered by the by a team of researchers under survey. • GBV prevalence survey in the supervision of Professor Ella the conflict-affected regions, Libanova, Academician of the NAS To clarify and refine certain findings analysis of GBV forms and of Ukraine, Doctor of Economics: of the study, 10 focus group dimensions, determination Ganna Gerasymenko, Ph.D. in discussions with local community of the risk factors and Economics (introduction, Section 2, members were conducted in all aggregation of survivor’s Section 3), Olena Makarova, Doctor regions; the discussion topics coping strategies in case of of Economics (conclusions and covered general attitude to GBV in violence; policy recommendations), Svitlana the society, understanding its forms Nychyporenko, Ph.D. in Economics and dimensions, assessment of the (Section 4), Oleksiy Pozniak, Ph.D. • a study of public attitudes possible impact of the military conflict in Economics (Section 1.1), Svitlana towards GBV and public in Donetsk and Lugansk regions on Polyakova, Ph.D. in Economics opinions on its causes and domestic violence and GBV outside (Section 1.2), Oksana Khmelevska, consequences, assessment the family, justification of the need Ph.D. in Economics (conclusions and of community attitudes to for services for survivors at the policy recommendations). To develop GBV survivors and analysis community level, public opinion on the survey tools and coordinate the of practices of survivor’s the effective instruments to combat fieldwork, the experts of Yaremenko sought for help; gender-based violence. Ukrainian Institute of Social Studies and the “Centre for Social In all regions covered by the study, • generalization of the Monitoring” were involved, including situational analysis was conducted expert assessments of GBV Olga Balakireva, Ph.D. in Sociology, based on in-depth interviews with prevalence and trends, Tatyana Bondar, Ph.D. in Sociology, experts in the field of GBV response 8 including the impact of and Oleg Vasylenko. Expertise at all 9 representing various institutional military conflict on GBV, stages of the study was provided by sectors - local authorities and CSOs, main problems and gaps Jeanne Ward, Global Consultant on law enforcement agencies and in policy response to GBV Violence Against Women and Girls, the providers of social services, medical and effective instruments to leading developer of the international institutions and the legal aid sector. address the gaps. methodology of GBV assessment in conflict settings. The results of the study translated into a range of recommendations and UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE SECTION 1. GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS IN THE PRISM OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS AND SECONDARY DATA 1.1. ADMINISTRATIVE DATA ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS: THE RECENT TRENDS AND DATA GAPS

SURVEY BACKGROUND: INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN UKRAINE AND ITS SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CONSEQUENCES.

The conflict-affected As a result of political destabilization internally displaced people was 970.1 regions covered by the in Ukraine and development of the thousand persons as of 29 October study (Dnipropetrovsk, military conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk 20153. Moreover, about several hundred Donetsk, Kharkiv, regions, a new type of migrant has thousand IDPs are still non-registered emerged caused by appearance due to various reasons. Among the Lugansk and of the internally displaced people registered IDPs, 21.3 thousand people Zaporizhzhya regions or (IDPs) in Ukraine. Presently, the have moved from the Autonomous oblasts) have been the registration of IDPs is provided by the Republic of Crimea, while 948.8 most populated regions Interdepartmental Coordination Staff thousand people (almost 98% of their of Ukraine. As of early (ICS) and the Ministry of Social Policy total number) fled the areas covered 2 2014 , Donetsk and of Ukraine. The ICS registers those by the ATO. The largest numbers of Dnipropetrovsk oblasts persons who have applied for assistance displaced people are situated in the were at the first and the in re-settlement and displacement; regions covered by the study program, second positions among the relevant information is collected including GCAs of Lugansk oblast 27 regions of Ukraine in the register of citizens of Ukraine (230.9 thousand people), Kharkiv oblast by the total population displaced from the NGCAs and ATO- (198.0 thousand people), GCAs of number, while residents affected areas. The MoSP registers Donetsk oblast (110.0 thousand people), individuals who have applied for Dnipropetrovsk oblast (85.4 thousand of the five oblasts pensions and social allowances at their people) and Zaporizhzhya oblast (66.5 altogether made almost new places of residence. In reality, the thousand people). In total, more than one-third of the total MoSP registration system captures not 70% of the total number of IDPs are population of Ukraine only the displaced persons, but also placed in these 5 regions (Fig. 1.1). (31.7%). those who actually live in the NGCAs Some studies, in particular the survey but periodically visit the government of the Scientific Research Institute controlled areas (GCAs) to collect their of Social and Judicial Psychiatry and 10 pensions or social allowances (the Narcology of the Ministry of Health of 11 phenomenon is called “pension tourism” Ukraine, reveal that at least some IDPs by experts). Therefore, the ICS data on will try to settle in their current transit IDP movements can be regarded as region and will not try to return home more accurate for any research purpose. after the completion of the ATO. As a result, important transformations of According to the operative information population’s territorial distribution will of the ICS, the total number of take place in Ukraine.

2 There is no reliable data on the total population at the beginning of 2015: the State Statistics Service of Ukraine collects information regarding registered events only (births, deaths and migrations related to permanent re-settlement), while there were large-scale non-registered migration movements over 2014; there were also numerous cases of non-registered deaths.

3 Web-site of the State Service of Ukraine on Emergency Situations: http://www.mns.gov.ua/news/34232.html (as of 29 October 2015). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

FIG. 1.1. DISTRIBUTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE BY THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE, AS ON 29.10.2015.

Source: data of the Interdepartmental Coordination Staff.

20% 29% 24%

9% 11%

7%

Lugansk oblast 24% Kharkiv oblast 20% Donetsk oblast 11% Dnipropetrovsk oblast 9% Zaporizhzhya oblast 7% Other oblast of Ukraine 29%

The major share of displaced persons is formed by the the elderly. But, since there are more women than men in elderly and the disabled: as of 17 September 2015, more the total population above the retirement age in Ukraine, than 60% of IDPs belonged to these categories in five an assumption can be made that women also prevail regions of the study (Table 1.1). Among the working age among older IDPs. Thus, IDP movements are not only IDP population, the number of women almost twice changing the territorial distribution of the population of exceeded that of men. Unfortunately, there is no available Ukraine; these movements also transform the population’s data on the sex composition of children, the disabled and sex composition in the conflict-affected regions.

TABLE 1.1. DISTRIBUTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS BY AGE, SEX AND ABILITY TO WORK AS OF 17 SEPTEMBER 2015.

A share in the total number, % Number of men per 1,000 Disabled and Oblasts Men Women women among working age Children elderly of working age of working age population persons

Dnipropetrovsk 10.9 23.2 18.8 47.1 471

Donetsk 13.6 25.9 20.5 40.0 525 10 11 Zaporizhzhya 14.0 30.4 25.1 30.5 461

Lugansk 5.3 7.3 7.9 79.5 724

Kharkiv 8.9 13.3 11.6 66.2 667

5 Oblasts Total 9.3 16.4 14.1 60.3 566

Ukraine Total 12.0 21.9 16.9 49.2 551

Source: data of the Interdepartmental Coordination Staff. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CRIME LEVELS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS: STATISTICAL ASSESSMENT.

The conflict-affected regions have been characterized by criminal offences registered per year per 100,000 population), significantly higher crime rates than the average Ukrainian Zaporizhzhya, Lugansk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts occupied indicators prior to the conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts the top three positions among all regions of Ukraine in (Fig. 1.2). An exception was made by Kharkiv oblast, as its 2005, while Donetsk oblast shared the fourth position with regional crime rate has approached the all-Ukrainian rate the city of Sebastopol. In 2010, these four oblasts were also since mid-2000’s. Regarding the crime rate (the number of among Ukraine’s 6 highest crime rate areas.

FIG. 1.2. DYNAMICS OF CRIME RATES, 2005-2012. Dnipropetrovsk oblast (number of crime offences per 100,000 average annual population) Donetsk oblast

Source: estimated based on data of the Interior Ministry of Ukraine Zaporizhzhya oblast

Dnipropetrovsk oblast Lugansk oblast Donetsk oblast Zaporizhzhya oblast Kharkiv oblast Lugansk oblast

Kharkiv oblast Ukraine Ukraine

Until 2013, the registration of criminal offences was done and withdrawals of crime objects. Statistical data are by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Ukraine, with all types of summarized monthly, with gradual accumulation during a criminal offences being registered. In 2012, radical changes year. The total number of registered crime offences does not took place in the system of registration of criminal offences include crimes with criminal proceeding closed due to certain related to the adoption of the new Criminal Procedural Code legitimate reasons specified in respective laws of Ukraine. of Ukraine on 13 April 20124. Due to changes in the registration methodology, crime indicators for 2013-2015 are not As a result, a situation is possible where the number of crime comparable with the data from previous periods. According to offences registered during the month of reporting is smaller para. 22 of the Transitional Provisions of the Code, the Single than the number of crimes during the preceding month. It can Register of Prejudicial Investigations had to be created (SRPI)5. be possible in cases where the number of crime offences with The Prosecutor General’s Office is defined as a holder of the closed proceedings exceeds the number of newly registered Single Register of Prejudicial Investigations; since 20 November crimes during the same month. That is why, unfortunately, 2012, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) is also authorized the analysis of monthly dynamics of crime offences does not to collect and maintain all crime statistics. provide reliable data, and any dynamic changes can be traced only based on annual statistics or through period-to-period According to the Provisions, the SRPI is providing the unified comparisons between the years. audit of all criminal offences and decisions made as a result of prejudicial investigations; crime offenders and results of According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, four out of five criminal proceeding; operative control over law violations conflict-affected regions have been still characterized by at time of prejudicial investigation; analysis of the status notably higher crime rates (based on the new methodology and structure of criminal offences in the country. Data on of registration) than Ukraine’s averages in 2013-2014. As for crime offences are provided in the Single Register on Crime Kharkiv oblast, its crime rate was also significantly higher Offences, the corresponding statistics reporting Form №1 than the average Ukrainian rate in 2013, but it has dropped (monthly) was approved by the Decree of Prosecutor General’s 12 below the average indicator in 2014 (Fig. 1.3). The available 13 Office of 23 October 2012 № 100 by agreement with the State data also reveal a decline in the intensity of criminal offences Statistics Service of Ukraine. The unified reporting on crime offences, offenders and criminal proceedings is formed by the in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts. But, it obviously results from Prosecutor General’s Office, Prosecutor’s Offices in oblasts of underreporting of criminal offences by central authorities at Ukraine and in Kyiv city based on the information on crime the NGCAs of these regions. Moreover, statistical estimation offences and results of prejudicial investigations. The number of crime rates largely depends on the gaps in the assessment of registered crime offences by types of offences is fixed of the total population numbers. The real numbers of current during the reporting period, as well as information about law population in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts are smaller than enforcement bodies that registered the offences, information those reported by the State Statistics Service; respectively, the on victims of offences and material damage, compensations officially reported crime rates are underestimated.

4 Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Web-site of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine [Electronic Resource]. – Access mode: http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/4651-17/page 5 Provisions on the Single Register of Prejudicial Investigations. Web-site of Prosecutor’s General office of Ukraine http://www.gp.gov.ua/ua/file_downloader.html?_m=fslib&_t=fsfile&_c=download&file_id=178961 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

FIG. 1.3. CRIME RATES IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS, 2013-2014. (number of registered criminal offences of various type per 100,000 population) 2013 2014

Source: estimations based on data of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine

Dnipropetrovsk oblast

Donetsk oblast

Zaporizhzhya oblast

Lugansk oblast

Kharkiv oblast

Ukraine

In contrast, the intensity of particularly serious crimes Donetsk oblast and 4.5 times in Lugansk oblast. The same has grown in the conflict-affected regions in 2014 as trends of increase were observed in the regions in 2015. compared with 2013 (Table 1.2); presently, it is almost In five regions covered by the study, the total number of twice as high as the Ukraine’s average rate. In particular, serious crimes was almost 1.4 times higher over the first high intensity of such crimes is observed in Donetsk half of 2015 as compared with the same period of 2014. and Lugansk oblasts – the rates are correspondingly 3.5 The number of serious crimes also grew in 2014, while and 3 times higher than in Ukraine on average (Annex the aggregated rate of serious crimes in these regions is B, Tables B1-B4). As compared with 2013, the number almost by 15% higher than the average Ukrainian indicator. of particularly serious crimes has grown 3.6 times in the The highest intensity of serious crimes is observed in conflict-affected regions in 2014, including 7.1 times in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhya oblasts.

TABLE 1.2. CRIME RATES BY VARIOUS TYPES OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES, 2013-2014 (number of registered criminal offences of various type per 100,000 population)

2013 2014 Types of criminal offences 5 regions 5 regions Ukraine Ukraine of the study of the study

Criminal offences registered over the period of re- 1,476.7 1,238.9 1,391.4 1,230.5 porting, including: - particularly serious criminal offences 30.3 30.3 109.7 60.2 - serious criminal offences 405.1 343.2 411.1 358.6 12 13 Criminal offences related to domestic violence 4.6 4.9 1.4 2.1 Criminal offences against sexual freedom and sexual 2.4 2.5 1.7 2.1 inviolability, including: - particularly serious 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.5 - serious 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.6 - moderately serious 1.1 1.1 0.7 0.9 Rapes 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.0 Violent unnatural gratification of sexual desires 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.5 Sexual intercourse with a sexually immature person, 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 Art.155 Debauchery of minors, Art.156 0.4 0.6 0.3 0.5 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE PRISM OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES.

Official data reveal lower However, there are some negative trends compared with 2013, the total number intensity of criminal observed in these regions as well. For of female victims of murder and murder offences related to example, in Dnipropetrovsk oblast, the attempts grew almost 2.4 times in these domestic violence number of rapes grew by 8% in 2014 five regions in 2014 (Fig. 1.4), while compared with 2013 (in particular, there this number grew 4 times in Donetsk and sex crimes in the were 37 rapes registered in the oblast in oblast and almost twice as much in conflict-affected regions 2013 and 40 rapes registered in 2014) Lugansk oblast. The total number of as compared with and by 35% over the first half of 2015 female victims of robberies grew by Ukraine as a whole. compared with the same period of 2014. 35.4% during the period (an increase by An increase in the number of rapes was 88.4% was observed in Zaporizhzhya also registered in Kharkiv oblast in the oblast). During the first half of 2015, WOMEN WHO SURVIVED CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN THE CONFLICT- first half of 2015 (there were 10 rapes an increase in the number of women AFFECTED REGIONS registered in the first half of 2014 and 11 who survived serious and particularly rapes registered in the first half of 2015). serious criminal offences was observed in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and in 2013 68.4 According to the Prosecutor General’s Kharkiv oblasts (as compared with THOUSAND Office of Ukraine, there were 68.4 the same period of 2014). In the same thousand women who survived criminal regions characterized by settlement of 57.2 in 2014 offences in the conflict-affected regions the numerous contingents of IDPs and THOUSAND in 2013; 57.2 thousand women who placement of many military units, the survived criminal offences in 2014, and number of women surviving robberies, in first half 26.9 thousand women who survived 26.9 of 2015 thefts and fraud situations has also THOUSAND criminal offences in the first half of increased. 2015 (Annex B, Tables B5-B7). As

FIG. 1.4. INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FEMALE VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES (BY VARIOUS TYPES OF OFFENCE) OVER 2013-2014, AS % (indicator of 2014 as % of indicator of 2013)

Source: estimations based on data of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine

Total criminal acts

Serious and particularly serious offences

Intentional murders (and murder attempts)

Rapes (and rape attempts)

Intentional serious injuries

Robbery 14 15 Theft

Frauds

Thefts

Trafficking in human beings

Car accidents

Domestic violence UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

The share of women is particularly large However, the share of women among victims among survivors of rapes, crimes related to of crime is currently decreasing; it could result 38.5% human trafficking and domestic violence, from partial non-reporting of crime offences and victims of robberies (Table 1.3). Though by women due to various reasons. Ukrainian experts argue about a recent IN TOTAL, WOMEN increase in the number of men surviving The share of women among victims of CONSTITUTED OF ALL human trafficking, the statistics of the crime in 2014 was higher in Dnipropetrovsk, REGISTERED VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN Prosecutor General’s Office reveal that Zaporizhzhya and Kharkiv oblasts as FIVE CONFLICT-AFFECTED women suffered from such crimes 5-13 times compared with Donetsk and Lugansk REGIONS DURING THE more often than men in the conflict-affected oblasts, although the opposite trends were STUDIED PERIOD regions. It is also notable that the share of observed in 2013. In other words, an increase women who have experienced theft (which in violence against women is observed in the (FROM THE BEGINNING OF 2013 TO MIDYEAR 2015). is rather related to psychological violence) is regions bordering the areas of the ATO. In significantly larger than the share of women total, women who have survived any criminal who have survived robberies (rather physical offense in the conflict-affected regions made violence). 38.3% of the total number of female survivors of crimes in Ukraine during the period from In total, the share of women among survivors the beginning of 2013 to midyear 2015. This of crime offences is higher in the conflict- share is notably larger than the share of affected regions as compared with Ukraine’s the conflict-affected regions in the total averages (Annex B, Tables B8-B10). It number of population of Ukraine and in the particularly concerns the sex structure of total female population, given the general survivors of human trafficking, theft and fraud. demographics of the country.

TABLE 1.3. SHARES OF WOMEN AMONG VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES (BY VARIOUS TYPES OF OFFENSES), 2013-2015, %

2013 2014 1st half of 2014 1st half of 2015 Ukraine Ukraine Ukraine Ukraine 5 regions 5 regions 5 regions 5 regions

Total number of victims of criminal offenses, of 41.0 39.9 36.3 37.6 38.5 38.1 37.5 37.4 them: - serious and particularly serious crimes 40.8 39.8 32.6 35.8 36.1 36.9 33.5 35.9

- intentional murders (and murder attempts) 30.3 30.2 15.2 18.9 20.3 23.4 11.5 16.3

- rapes (and rape attempts) 83.9 81.6 86.0 90.6 88.1 90.7 94.6 93.0

- intentional serious injuries 18.1 18.8 14.7 16.2 14.8 16.3 16.0 17.6

- robberies 45.3 44.4 38.7 42.2 43.9 45.0 42.0 44.6

- theft 57.7 53.6 58.1 53.7 55.9 52.6 55.3 51.2

- frauds 48.4 42.9 47.6 43.9 47.6 44.1 49.7 46.8

- thefts 41.8 41.3 39.4 39.5 39.5 39.5 38.7 37.8 - trafficking in human beings and related criminal 92.7 65.2 88.2 76.5 84.2 73.7 92.9 65.6 offences - car accidents 35.6 35.7 33.1 33.6 32.1 32.4 32.9 31.7 14 - criminal offences related to domestic violence 70.5 69.4 69.4 73.5 71.1 75.2 74.1 76.0 15

Thus, the conflict-affected regions can be regarded as areas among the population, as they are based exclusively on with traditionally high crime rates, while the military conflict the reported numbers of appeals and cases of registered in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts and related IDP flows offenses. Administrative statistics describe only the “tip of and increased numbers of military personnel have led to a the iceberg”, as only a very small share of survivors apply further aggravation of the crime situation in these regions. for assistance – due to social and cultural barriers and The registered indicators of crimes are largely influenced because of drawbacks of legal and institutional support by statistical gaps related to both counting the number systems. Therefore, a further study of GBV prevalence in of criminal offences and verifying the real total population the conflict-affected regions was conducted based on numbers; therefore, a reliable analysis of the recent trends multiple data sources, including the analysis of secondary in crime rates is very complicated. Also, it has to be data, i.e. coverage of similar cases in the mass media and acknowledged that the administrative data on GBV rates information space and summarizing the results of other do not reflect the actual prevalence of this phenomenon monitoring reports, studies and reviews. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

1.2. COVERAGE OF THE PROBLEM OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE MASS-MEDIA AND INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT: ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY DATA

Analysis of secondary data is a valid can be complicated by the trend of at the meeting of the UN Security option for collecting and processing mythologizing individual cases, where Council declaring that, along with information, especially if the research common gossip talks tend to reveal other criminal offences, there are issue causes significant public new sensational details over again and many rapes of women in the Donbas response. magnify the case. area. “There are facts of mass crimes, detentions, abductions, torture, Among available data sources suitable In the on-going military confrontation, intimidation. According to the latest for a desk study are official reports information on the facts of gender- information of monitoring groups, of government agencies, thematic based violence can be used as there is violence against women research reports, special monitoring means of manipulating public – a lot of rapes”, as mentioned by reports of international and national opinion or even as instruments of the Raimonda Murmokaite8, Representative human rights organizations, reports of information war. As Olha Vesnyanka, of Lithuania to the United Nations. NGOs and public associations, mass researcher of the “Respect” The resolution clearly identified the media publications, newsfeeds and organization argues, the theme problem expressing the concern of so on. Obviously, these data sources of sexual violence is sometimes the UN: “There is information about are characterized by some important used as instrument of propaganda cases of sexual violence and gender- gaps: e.g. they are fragmented since nowadays: “In social networks based violence, including rapes and focusing on individual cases does not and news sites, it looks very murders, tortures and abuse of women, provide a comprehensive picture of often like such information committed by armed groups in the the phenomenon and does not allow self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s is purposefully given in a for an assessment of its prevalence. Republic” and “Lugansk People’s However, the advantage of this way to make the society Republic”; reports on cases of violence 6 method is seen in the opportunity hate the simulated enemy” . and discrimination against women, for an in-depth analysis, assessment as well as allegations of reprisals of public attitudes to the subject Thus, media monitoring revealed against women’s rights activists in of study through comments in the that such news reports paid more the territory of Crimea, which is the media space. At the same time, this attention to which side in the military de facto subordinated to the Russian information is usually emotionally conflict the abusers belonged Federation; mass violation of rights of expressed, thus attracting the instead of focusing on preventing the refugee women in the territory of attention of the public. To this similar situations or the prosecution the Russian Federation“. end, emotional, vivid mass media of offenders. Therefore, a critical publications could also be a good analysis of secondary data from International experts emphasize that channel for sharing the study results. various sources and separating facts the concealment of cases of sexual from rumours is very important violence in the NGCAs is wide- The problem of violence in the when studying any social problem, in spread. According to the report of the conflict area and adjacent regions particular such sensitive as gender- monitoring mission by the Ukrainian remains one of the most common based violence. Helsinki Human Rights Union entitled topics discussed in the society “Problems of gender-based violence recently. However, despite the rapid A stable feature of the last decade in the conflict area”, the conclusions dissemination of information on has been seen in Ukrainians’ are made that cases of human rights 16 such cases in the media space and distrust towards official sources of violations and violence exist in 17 significant response of the civil information7. However, international these areas, but it is highlighted that society, the quality of information is observers are generally trusted by survivors are not ready to talk about often hampered by a number of gaps the public. International monitoring these facts. The report states that: in accuracy and representativeness. In missions emphasize the increased contrast to the constraints of formal prevalence of GBV in the regions • simulating threats and violence, administrative data-based statistics, affected by military operations. In including sexual violence, is not analysis of secondary data on GBV particular, there was a statement perceived as violence, although

6 http://povaha.org.ua/pro-sajt/ 7 According to the study of the Fund "Democratic initiatives" and the Razumkov Centre in the second half of July 2015, volunteers are the leaders of public trust - 67% Ukrainians trust them completely or partially. This is the highest trust rate among all public and social institutions in Ukraine. Among other leaders of trust: church (62% of respondents), Armed Force of Ukraine (55%), volunteer battalions (53%) and civil society organizations (46%). 47% of respondents trust to the Ukrainian mass media, but almost the same percent of respondents don’t trust to the mass media. The very low rates of trust is expressed to prosecutors (13% of respondents), courts (13%), Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (15%), police (18%) and Government (18%). Correspondingly, these institutions have the proportional impact on a society in the context of public perceptions. 8 http://ostannipodii.com/a/201410/mizhnarodni_sposterigachi_povidomlyayut_pro_masovi_zvaltuvannya_na_donbasi-100004564/ UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

it is causing deep wounds to and spreads it. Eventually, named Natalia. survivors and is hard to overcome this epidemic will pass on in the long-term; Obviously, in order to talk about the to the peaceful areas. They facts of violence, the evidence base • there are no grounds to argue ride freely throughout should be available. Lisa Rai, Director that there were mass rapes the territory of “Donetsk of the Department of Communications used as means of war during People’s Republic” to the of the International Women’s Rights the temporary occupation, government-controlled Centre “La Strada Ukraine” noted: unlike some other conflict zones areas” ‘since there are no police in (Rwanda, Bosnia etc.); - told a woman in Kramatorsk. the NGCAs, it is impossible to document evidence of • there is indirect evidence The national information space that human rights violations, cases of sexual violence. circulates lots of references to the violence, and particularly sexual We asked this question facts of women becoming “small abuse in the non-government coins” used by different criminal gangs to the law enforcement controlled areas are more cruel, to settle the scores in the occupied agencies, but they just occur frequently and are not territories. Thus, a daughter of the local shrugged because nothing documented. “ataman” (gang leader) was kidnapped can be done11“. According to L. as ordered by the leadership of the Rai, there have been about a hundred The experts of the Helsinki Union so-called “Lugansk People’s Republic”; calls to the “La Strada Ukraine” help together with the “Women’s she was raped and severely beaten, hotline caused by spousal quarrels and Information Consultative Centre” and dumped on the roadside. The girl misunderstandings due to different collected data on gender-based was later put into the intensive care views of the political situation in the violence in the conflict area to unit of the local hospital9. country. Typically, the suffering party analyze the situation and develop was women. If they tried to leave with recommendations for responsible The content analysis of the media a child to go to GCAs and the husband institutions and to protect the reveals different attitudes to the or his family found out, they would be survivors. Thus, one of the respondents facts related to rapes and criminal prevented from leaving. told the mission about the complicated abusers in the different cities of epidemiological situation in the the NGCAs. While in some cities However, the information about occupied territories. According such cases are not hushed up and crimes, especially those committed to her, female physicians from a investigated, survivors are threatened by people in uniform, is spreading in dermatovenerology clinic had to in the case of disclosure; there are the government controlled areas of conceal the real diagnoses [of sexually public punishments for abusers in Ukraine, and increasing in dramatic transmitted infections] from their others settlements. In particular, there detail. It can be partly explained by “local militia” patients because they was information on the internet that the situation where a significant share feared reprisal: a “local commandant of Lugansk of the population of the region does People’s Republic” in Alchevsk raped a not support the current government “Every second one of 22-year-old girl that he had to protect. and the presence of military personnel them has AIDS, this is the As a punishment, his “comrades” gave in the eastern regions. In October- epidemic and no jokes. him a plaque with the inscription “I am November of 2014, there were rumors Syphilis is transmitted a rapist” and he had to hold it whilst about an extremely violent mass through domestic contacts. walking around the city. The process of rape of women by Ukrainian military punishment was that photographs and Venerologists carry gauze, personnel in Mariupol city. Ordinary videos of him holding the plaque were citizens telephoned reporters and they photograph the place later posted on the internet. reported seemingly reliable facts about where he sat down, stood victims in hospitals or intensive care up etc. A doctor revealed The ban on women from visiting units. In order to find out whether 16 a disease in him, but it is cafes and other entertainment venues these facts were true, journalists did 17 impossible to find him. Then in Lugansk can also be regarded an investigation. The results were as a manifestation of gender- he came again saying that published on the official website of the based violence. The initiator of this city of Mariupol. it hurt more. She says she “innovation” believed that women could not tell him that he’s should be “mothers and homemakers “Then, in early October, the got AIDS because he would and sit at home, doing embroidery, phone rang in our editorial shoot her; and so she was baking pies and celebrate the 8th of 10 office. A woman was calling. silent or said something March” . Later a video was posted on the internet showing the public She said that there is a else. The infected man flogging for visiting cafes of a women girl in the intensive care walks free with the disease

9 Source: http://iz.com.ua/ukraina/66310-boeviki-lnr-izbili-i-iznasilovali-doch-atamana-kosogora.html 10 Source: http://joinfo.ua/sociaty/1045987_Situatsiya-Luganske-LNR-devushkam-grozit-arest.html 11 Source: http://povaha.org.ua/pro-sajt/ UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

unit of city hospital №2 who the reporters that there were six an unknown man raped her. has been brutally raped documented cases of rape of women Police detained the rapist ... since the beginning of the year, but no by the Ukrainian military. It was established that the military personnel were involved in the ‘she was just broken, she criminal cases. The abusers, detained attacker was military” is unconscious now, and for committing these crimes, included – Natalia Schyman, the chief of the press doctors are fighting for her former convicts recently released from service of Donetsk oblast police. life,” - lamented the woman. prison. In one case, the rape was linked to the theft of property; an attacker We contacted the intensive – “The injured girl said that would first rob a woman, but changed care unit immediately, and his plans during the fight. According to she’d met that man the my questions have surprised the press service of the Interior Ministry, night before. She was with doctors there. “We do not two 30-year-old men attacked a shop a friend when he invited her have any rape victims” - was assistant who returned home late at for a walk. They went to the the short answer”12. night. They took away her bag and gold recreation center Dubrava jewellery, but that was not enough. They where it all happened. At first, they were talking about 10 raped the woman in the street, and then In the morning, she told survivors, then about 80 survivors, led her to the apartment of one of the while the journalists were “absolutely attackers. They photographed parts police.” reliably” told that the number of of the attack using a camera phone so Upon request, the police initiated a Mariupol’s victims of the military’s they could intimidate and blackmail their criminal proceeding in accordance with violence exceeded 80 women in the victim thus preventing her from seeking Article 152 Part 3 of the CPC of Ukraine. end of October, while the police was assistance from the police13. The rapist could be sentenced to 7 to not disclosing the actual number of 12 years in prison. crimes and protected the offenders. In spite of the lack of “mass” facts, there The journalists decided to verify all are single cases of rape by the military A separate group at risk during the facts and visited all hospitals in the city personnel filed in the conflict-affected time of conflict was female volunteers where survivors of sexual violence could regions. In June of 2015, the police who faced the most ill-treatment stay. No women treated after rape were arrested a 40-year-old soldier of the during detention by armed gangs, found at the local hospitals. Not trusting Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kurakhovo, because they were treated as direct official information, the journalists Donetsk oblast. He was suspected of 14 participants of armed confrontation. interviewed hospital patients, but the raping a 16-year old girl . Below are the stories of two women. result was the same. These women were detained after “A 16-year-old girl applied to being arrested at checkpoints because The press service of Mariupol City the department of Maryino someone alleged they carried food for Department of Police informed police station. She said that the Ukrainian military.

“I was pulled by the hair out of the car, snatching almost all of it. Pulled along the ground by hair. Beaten during the arrest. Daily death threats. Threatened with rape and mockery. Threatened to leave that place as pieces in plastic bags" – a woman, Kramatorsk

“I was taken at the checkpoint between Kramatorsk and Slaviansk. We tried to escape but were caught by boards with nails thrown under the wheels. Blocked by a white van and another 2 cars. Dressed in plastic handcuffs, thrown on the ground face down, beaten on the back with a rifle butt. I was lucky being beaten by a man with a weapon because I was beaten with a butt. 18 The other men had no weapons so they beat my friend with bats. She was beaten on her head 19 and ears. Kept in solitary confinement. Threatened with rape and mocked. Stripped, humiliated, threatened. Those who interrogated wore masks. One of them had the eastern accent, but I do not know whether he was from there. There were threats – we will give you to the Chechens. They will do something with you. The man with the eastern accent cut my hair with a knife and threw into the toilet. I was interrogated by different men. They unbuttoned my shirt - “OK, you pass”, then pretended to shoot me. They told me to get up against the wall and pray. I started to pray, I didn’t know they were joking. Then another man came and said: “What are you doing? The brains will be all over the camera, bring a sheet!” Then they left and didn’t come back” – a woman, Kramatorsk.

12 Source: http://www.0629.com.ua/news/672249 13 Source: http://crime.in.ua/news/20140603/nasilie-v-mariupole 14 Source: http://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_bijcya-28yi-brigadi-zatrimali-za-zgvaltuvannya-16richnoyi-divchini-u-kurahovo/634096?mobile=true UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

Regardless of the military conflict in the eastern regions, the problem of domestic violence remains important in the Ukrainian society. As it is “not acceptable” to speak openly about this experience in communities, in particular - to seek help from authorities, professionals and service providers, these cases only receive publicity when there are some particularly serious consequences.

In Krasnoarmiysk, the city police department received a report that the body of a 31-year-old woman was found with obvious signs of violent death in one of the apartments of Ivanovka village. In the course of the investigation, it was found that the woman was abused by her cohabitant who hurt her to death1.

In Kramatorsk, the police were called because an unconscious woman with injuries was delivered to the hospital. As it turned out later, the woman received these injuries from her cohabitant for being in a state of alcohol intoxication. Not to cause a family quarrel go public, the man tried to treat her by himself for some time, but she lost consciousness and he had to call the ambulance. The woman is in a coma. If she dies from her injuries her attacker can be imprisoned for a term of 15 years2.

With the expansion of the military support. They think that Soldiers fall into depression. actions, the problem of domestic alcohol is the best remedy. They get unsociable and violence has become particularly Then, they begin to feel hide from the surrounding acute. Servicemen have returned home with unrecognized post-traumatic as if their wives do not world. This is very serious. stress disorder and have not sought understand what they have Because these men lose their psychological assistance. Human rights gone through and what had understanding of why we activists from “La Strada Ukraine” noted seen. And this psychological live. Usually, manifestations that they recorded 7,725 complaints suffering is then escalated of post-traumatic stress in 2014, of them 72.2% were related to into physical or sexual disorder start to occur a domestic violence15. On average, the organization’s telephone hotline receives violence.” week after leaving the ATO about 5.5 thousands of complaints area and can last up to six - Olena Zubchenko, La Strada - Ukraine. a year, but the number of women’s months. 80% of people who appeals increased by 2,000 last year. Even having avoided any wounds had been in combat face In 2015, there were almost 6,000 and injuries, people are returning the risk of going through appeals only in the first half of the year. home completely different. According posttraumatic stress The human rights activists allocate a to statistics, almost 80 percent of 1 separate category of complaints of disorder” soldiers return home with the so-called women who seek assistance because of “Donbass syndrome” which manifests - R. Tchaikovsky, a psychiatrist. their husband’s violence after returning itself in depression, loss of interest in life, from the war; analysis of this information alcoholism and nightmares. Thereby, the content analysis of the will allow for an assessment of the scale national information space reveals of this phenomenon in the future. “Back home, you cannot not only the spreading signs of GBV in the Ukrainian society in general “The problem of domestic get rid of your instincts that and in the conflict-affected regions; it violence because of the war saved your life yesterday: 18 also confirms the significant attention 19 is very serious. We have hard rules that suspicious to these issues paid by civil society never faced such things sounds mean death, that you representatives, international observers before, and the problem is should hide in a deep trench, and the media. Such an attention exacerbated by the lack of that the world is divided reiterates the need for reliable and objective data on prevalence, forms resources and expertise. by front lines and the best solution is to shoot first. The and manifestations of gender- Of course, the soldiers who based violence in order to avoid any have returned home suffer subconscious is shoving the speculation and manipulation of data, from stress and anxiety. bloody pictures all the time to identify reliable information in a wide And they often do not want - that cannot fit the quiet, range of news and comments in online to apply for psychological peaceful life around you. resources and social networks.

15 Source: http://tsn.ua/ukrayina/sered-biyciv-ato-shiritsya-noviy-donbaskiy-sindromom-yakiy-mozhe-prizvesti-do-epidemiyi-samogubstv-392067.html UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE SECTION 2. PREVALENCE OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT- AFFECTED REGIONS: KEY FINDINGS OF THE POPULATION-BASED SURVEY

2.1. SURVEY METHODOLOGY AND DESIGN

In order to obtain reliable information on GBV to clarify any questions in cases of any misunderstanding prevalence in the conflict-affected regions, a special or incorrect interpretation. However, GBV surveys are sample population survey was initiated. Such studies accompanied by a number of challenges with regard remain reliable tools for collecting information, as the to the sensitive topics and possible stigmatization of aggregation of data in the statistical analysis provides for survivors in local communities. In conditions of the on- full confidentiality of respondents and depersonalization going military conflict, the relevance of safety of all survey of any results.The method of individual face-to-face participants is increasing, as well as the need to comply interviews provides the possibility to establish direct with full confidentiality and ethical standards of the rapport between interviewer and respondent, as well as research.

STUDY LOCATION In September-October of 2015, a in July 2015 the de-facto authorities AND TIMEFRAMES special population-based survey on of the self-proclaimed “Donetsk GBV was conducted in 5 conflict- People’s Republic” and “Lugansk affected regions of Ukraine: People’s Republic” imposed a ban Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and on any humanitarian or foreign Kharkiv oblasts, as well as in the assistance operations in the areas GCAs of Donetsk and Lugansk under their control, which prevented oblasts. Initially the survey was access to the NGCAs for the survey designed to cover the NGCAs, but teams and field data collection.

SAMPLING THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS METHODOLOGY HELD AT THE RESIDENCES OF RESPONDENTS. TWO TARGET GROUPS OF AND DESIGN RESPONDENTS WERE SELECTED:

1. women aged 18+ years 2. internally displaced women aged 20 representing the general 18+ staying in these regions 21 population of local communities (sampling design was developed in the survey regions (sampling based on the official data on the design was developed based distribution of registered IDPs on the general demographics among the host regions provided 1,505 available at the beginning of by the MoSP of Ukraine as of LOCAL WOMEN 2015, with consideration of August 2015). the gender-age composition of population and urban-rural structure of settlements), and

1,007 The total population sample was 2,512 women, including 1,505 women from the WOMEN AMONG IDPs local communities and 1,007 women from the IDP population. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

SURVEY INSTRUMENTS

The contents and structure of questionnaires were developed in accordance THE LOGIC with the “Gender-Based Violence Tools Manual for Assessment & Program OF QUESTIONNAIRE’S Design, Monitoring & Evaluation in Conflict Settings”16. The approaches to COMPOSITION formulating the questions and proposed options of responses were adapted SUGGESTED SEVERAL by national and international experts to ensure a comprehensive relevance to BLOCKS OF QUESTIONS: socio-cultural features of the Ukraine’s society.

1. socio-demographic At the preparation stage, two types The draft questionnaires were characteristics of respondents; of questionnaires were developed: translated into English in order to 1) for women from the general get them reviewed and receive 2. experience of violence caused population sample representing feedback from the “GBV Tools by perpetrators outside the local communities of the conflict- Manual” developers in terms of their family during the military affected region and 2) for women compliance with the methodology, conflict in the Donetsk and representing internally displaced technical standards and ethical Lugansk regions; persons (Annex C1). Both target considerations of similar surveys. The 3. experience of violence caused by groups of the survey were asked final adjustments of questionnaires perpetrators outside the family identical questions to enable were done during the training for during displacement (for IDP comparative analysis of their interviewers and following the pilot respondents only); assessments; the IDP respondents test of questionnaires. were provided with extended 4. experience of partner violence questionnaires featuring additional The questionnaires were printed in during the conflict (over the last blocks of questions related to the Ukrainian and Russian. year, preceding the conflict, and periods of internal displacement and over the last 12 months), as well their return home (if applicable). as the lifetime experience of Such approach was used to provide respondents; opportunities to define at which stage of the conflict women face 5. general attitude to gender-based the highest risks of violence. Time violence and distribution of frames for displacement periods were gender roles in the society; individually specified by respondents; January 2014 was used as time 6. current mental health of the marker to outline the period related survey respondents. to the conflict beginning.

INTERVIEWER Specialized intense training was to respecting confidentiality, safety TRAINING organized for interviewers and regional and ethical considerations of GBV field supervisors at the beginning surveys, to developing basic skills in of September 2015. The training emergency psychological support to program was developed in a way potential survivors and to learning 20 to cover not only the issues related about the existing opportunities to get 21 to the interviewing techniques and assistance if required. practicing the survey tools, but also to raise interviewer’s awareness on the Finally, interviewers were provided concepts of gender-based violence with updated information on the and ensure their non-judgemental available service providers for GBV attitude to women who could have survivors to be disseminated among survived GBV (Annex C2). Much the respondents towards the end of attention was paid during the training interviewing.

16 Source: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/FC881A31BD55D2B3C1256F4F00461838-Gender_based_violence_rhrc_Feb_2004.pdf. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

DATA COLLECTION The survey complied with all randomly selected respondents AND RESPONSE RATES requirements of interviewing among the general population at technology. Given the sensitive 137 routes. 47 interviewers recruited nature of the questions, all respondents among internally respondents were informed about displaced persons through many the general topics of the research and varied channels of recruitment and clarified how the results will be (Annex C, Table C1). used – before the interview began. The respondents were guaranteed In total, the interviewers registered the opportunity to refuse to 854 refusals from potential participate in the survey at any of respondents among the general stage, to suspend or re-schedule population (the response rate the interview in case of interruption was 63.8%) and 183 refusals from by third parties, as well as absolute potential respondents among IDPs confidentiality of all responses. (the response rate was 84.6%). The regional variations in the rates The fieldwork was conducted by 50 of respondent accessibility are trained interviewers working with presented in Table 2.1.1.

TABLE 2.1.1. Total number Realized num- Response THE NUMBER OF Oblast of refusals, ber, individuals Rates, % INTERVIEWED RESPONDENTS individuals BY REGIONS AND RESPONSE RATES Questionnaire №1 (local women from the general population) 1 Dnipropetrovsk 438 71 86% 2 Donetsk 305 276 53% 3 Zaporizhzhya 236 130 65% 4 Lugansk 165 45 79% 5 Kharkiv 361 332 52%

Total 1505 854 63.8% Length of interview: min = 9 min., max = 150 min., average = 32 min.

Questionnaire №2 (women of IDPs) 1 Dnipropetrovsk 125 50 71%

2 Donetsk 471 68 87%

3 Zaporizhzhya 108 25 81% 4 Lugansk 109 23 83% 5 Kharkiv 194 17 92% Total 1007 183 84,6% Length of interview: min = 10 min., max = 140 min., average = 37 min.

Based on the results of the fieldwork, each interviewer recorded the specific number of refusals from potential respondents and the reasons thereof, as well as other comments on conducting the interviews, specification of questions etc. which respondents raised. (Table 2.1.2). 22 23

TABLE 2.1.2. NUMBER OF REFUSALS: 854 183 THE NUMBER OF REFUSALS LOCAL WOMEN WOMEN OF IDPs TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY AND REASONS OF REASONS • no free time; • fear of confidentiality; REFUSALS FOR REFUSAL • mistrust of sociological • because of the survey topics; surveys; • no free time; • because of the survey topics; • mistrust of sociological • without explanation. surveys. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

AMONG BASIC COMPLICATIONS FACED BY INTERVIEWERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEWS WERE:

1. complications with establishing 3. significant time spent to establish and/or any information about channels for recruitment of the rapport with a respondent their spouse. In particular, the first several IDP respondents in because of sensitive topics of procedure of random selection of the settlements; the process was the survey and due to mistrust respondents suggested collecting facilitated through the “snowball towards sociological surveys information about all household effect” later. In some settlements, among the population; the members; but, some women the search for IDPs had to be process of interviewing required refused to continue to speak rearranged to coincide with the a lot of time due to the length with interviewers after hearing time of humanitarian aid delivery; of the questionnaires and the these questions. Interviewers sensitive topics covered therein; noted particularly low sincerity 2. significant time spent to provide of IDPs (in particular, in the transportation of interviewers 4. low sincerity of respondents: GCAs of Donetsk and Lugansk between multiple settlements many interviewers observed oblasts) and associated it with of their individual routes in that respondents didn’t want psychological state of these conditions of poorly organized to divulge information about respondents, their disinterest and transport infrastructure; their sexual partner’s violence total mistrust.

DATA ENTRY At the time of primary data the characteristics of the interviewed AND QUALITY CONTROL processing, all questionnaires were respondent. As validation revealed, controlled for completeness and all interviews were conducted in logic of completion. Information accordance with the instructions and quality and interviewing quality were in compliance with the requirements also validated at this stage. In the for similar population-based surveys. process of validation, responses of 148 respondents from the general The analysis of the realized population and 98 IDP respondents sample allows us to certify its were verified in 5 administrative correspondence to the estimated territorial units (9.8% of the total sample, and the general number of respondents). Verification representativeness of the received was done based on the route lists data for the target groups of the completed by interviewers indicating survey.

DATA ANALYSIS The layout of data arrays was variables were developed for selected developed and tested in the SPSS questions. Based on the aggregated format. The coding was applied to database, the primary data analysis 22 the respondents’ answers, while data was conducted using SPSS to provide 23 were entered into electronic format frequencies and percentages for the in SPSS PC software. The database main variables; detailed multivariable was developed with subsequent analysis was completed in the SPSS verification for quality over data software environment. entry and logic. Special interval UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

2.2. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISCTICS OF THE SURVEY RESPONDENTS

BACKGROUND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

The background In line with the sample design, 1,505 structure of the population, there were socio-demographic women who represented the general slightly more women of older age characteristics of population of the local communities groups in the realized sample of local respondents of the were interviewed, including 438 women community women (30.3% of them were GBV prevalence survey in Dnipropetrovsk oblast, 361 women in aged 60 and over), as compared with the in the conflict-affected Kharkiv oblast, 305 women in Donetsk realized sample of IDPs (correspondingly oblast, 236 women in Zaporizhzhya oblast 20.4%). Their recruiting for the interviews regions are presented and 165 women in Lugansk oblast, as well depended on their accessibility. in Table 2.2.1. as 1,007 women were interviewed among IDPs, including 471 women in Donetsk The prevailing number of women in oblast, 125 women in Dnipropetrovsk both groups of respondents had tertiary oblast, 108 women in Zaporizhzhya oblast, education (71.1% of women from local 109 women in Lugansk oblast and 194 communities and 64.9% of IDP women), women in Kharkiv oblast. while about one-third of them had secondary education (including basic and The majority of women (52.2% among complete ones). Only a few percent of the general population sample and women reported that they had primary TABLE 2.2.1. 66.2% among the IDP sample) were in education only. This closely correlated BACKGROUND SOCIO- DEMOGRAPHIC their reproductive age (18-49 years). As with the general structure of Ukraine’s CHARACTERISTICS OF a result of age-specific quotas applied population by the level of educational RESPONDENTS in accordance with the demographic attainment.

Distribution of the interviewed women by background characteristics, in %

Characteristics Local women Women among IDPs Age group 18-29 18.5 21.5 30-39 17.6 28.1 40-49 16.1 16.6 50-59 17.5 13.4 60 and over 30.3 20.4 Region of interview Donetsk oblast 20.3 46.8 Dnipropetrovsk oblast 29.1 12.4 Zaporizhzhya oblast 15.7 10.7 Lugansk oblast 11.0 10.8 Kharkiv oblast 24.0 19.3 Education Primary (below 9th grade) 2.4 1.0 24 Basic (incomplete) secondary (9th grade) 5.1 3.4 25 Complete secondary / Vocational training school 29.9 29.7 Basic tertiary (college, high institutions of I-II accredit. levels) 26.4 30.8 Complete tertiary (university, high institutions of III-IV accredit. levels) 34.7 34.1 Scientific degree (Ph.D. etc.) 1.2 0.9 Other 0.3 Marital status Currently married 45.7 46.2 Currently partnered 5.4 3.3 Currently non-married /non-partnered 37.2 40.8 Never married / partnered 11.6 9.7 Total 1,505 1,007 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

MARITAL STATUS AND COMPOSITION OF HOUSEHOLDS

The largest share of Almost two thirds of the interviewed IDP prevailing number of women reported interviewed persons women reported that they have moved their first marriage / serious partnership (31.4% of local women together with all family members (63.8%), to happen before they were aged 25 and 30.0% of women so their families did not differ a lot from (Annex C, Table C.3). the population of local communities in among IDPs) lived terms of household composition. According to the survey results, the in households of 3 most recent relationship amongst the persons (including Almost 70% of the local women respondent group labelled as “women not the respondent), a interviewed had no children under the currently married” ended due to various quarter of respondents age of 18 years; 22.4% of them had 1 child reasons, including divorce (38.0% of IDPs – in households of two aged 18 or below, 7.8% of respondents and 28.2% of local women), separation persons, another quarter had 2 children or more. Among the (respectively 22.6% and 18.8%) and death of respondents – in IDP women interviewed, the share of of partner (36.7% and 50.9%). households of 4 persons respondents living together with children (Annex C, Table C.2.). under 18 years of age was larger – it Among the total number of not currently was reported by almost a half of the married and never-married respondents, respondents. The share of IDPs living with 4.4% of local women and 6.9% of IDP two and more children was also much women reported having intimate partners larger (the maximum number of children with whom they are currently not living reported was 10). A higher concentration together. of women with minor children among IDPs looks quite natural, as fears for Importantly, the marital structure of children and expectations of better the survey respondents was somehow future for them were regarded among different from the general marital the motivating factors for displacement structure of the female population of the during the conflict. country. As mentioned, about 40% of the interviewed women reported that they As to the marital history, 9.7% of women were not married / partnered at the time among IDPs and 11.6% of women from of interview, while the corresponding local communities reported that they proportion of women was 17.2% based have never been married or lived with a on the data of Ukraine’s Demographic partner (see Table 2.2.1). As to the current and Health Survey in 200717 (respectively, relationship status, more than a half of all 55.3% of women were officially married, ever-married / partnered women stated 4.9% of women lived together with their that they were currently married. Yet 3.6% partners, 22.6% of women had never of IDP respondents and 6.2% of women been married). The reasons of such from local communities lived together discrepancies could be associated with with their partners being in a “serious” the challenges of similar surveys in the relationship at the time of interview. More on-going conflict that we mentioned than 40% of all ever-married / partnered earlier. It is probable that after several respondents were not currently married / waves of military mobilization and partnered at the time of interview. raising the upper age limit for military recruitment in Ukraine, some women Among those married / partnered might be reluctant to provide information women, about three quarters of both on their current marital status having groups of respondents have been married doubts regarding the confidentiality 24 once, about one-fifth twice, and only of their responses and fear of possible 25 a few percent 3 times and more. The consequences.

This factor should be considered when conducting any subsequent analysis of the survey results and interpreting the data, as it could eventually result in data offsets for frequencies of responses related to experience of partnership and underestimation of intimate partner situations explored by the survey.

17 Source: http://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR210/FR210.pdf UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

SOCIAL-ECONOMIC STATUS AT THE LABOUR MARKET AND INCOME STRUCTURE The contents of The contents of questionnaires provided of IDPs. According to the survey results, questionnaires opportunities to assess not only the internal displacement caused an almost provided opportunities composition of respondents by their two-fold decline in the share of women to assess not only socio-economic status at the labour in employment among IDPs (50% of market at the moment of interview, but respondents were employed before the the composition of also to trace some changes in the status conflict and only 27.1% remained employed respondents by their of women’s employment as a result of at the moment of interview). At the socio-economic status internal displacement (Table. 2.2.2). As same time, the share of unemployed IDP at the labour market compared with IDP respondents, local women has grown almost 6 times over at the moment of women practically have not experienced this period (from 4% before the conflict interview, but also to any changes in their socio-economic to 24% at the moment of interview). The trace some changes in status due to the conflict in eastern responses of the interviewed IDPs also the status of women’s Ukraine. In spite of a drop in the share confirm the impact of displacement on the employment as a result of employed women by few percentage opportunities for secondary employment of internal displacement points (respectively, shares of unemployed for displaced women above retirement age (Table. 2.2.2). women, women on maternity leaves and and women still in education (students women engaged in household work have and schoolchildren). These results confirm grown), this decline is rather insignificant that IDPs face problems with finding in comparison with striking shifts jobs in the hosting communities, which observed in the employment structure increases their vulnerability. TABLE 2.2.2. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF RESPONDENTS AT THE LABOUR MARKET BEFORE THE CONFLICT IN DONETSK AND LUGANSK REGIONS AND AT THE MOMENT OF INTERVIEW, IN %

Local women Women among IDPs Socio-economic status at the labour market before the at the time of before the at the time of conflict interview conflict interview

Employed 48.1 45.5 50.0 27.1

Unemployed, but actively looking for a job 2.7 3.7 4.0 24.0

Unemployed and NOT looking for a job 1.6 1.9 1.0 2.9

Of pensionable age employed 7.0 6.6 6.6 2.7

Pensioner (unemployed) 24.1 26.8 17.4 21.9

In education (student, pupil) and employed 2.6 1.7 1.8 1.1

In education (student, pupil) and unemployed 4.8 3.3 3.0 2.2

Unemployed due to disability or inability to work 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.5

Engaged in housework (caring for children or other rela- 4.1 4.5 5.3 5.9 tives)

On maternity leave 4.3 5.0 9.9 10.1

Other 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.7

Total 100 100 100 100

26 The survey revealed a very high dependency of IDPs was the main income source for 44% of them). As 27 on social benefits and cash allowances from the state to other disparities in the structures of incomes of (three quarters of IDP respondents had received such two groups of respondents, a larger share of incomes incomes at the moment of interview and 28.8% of them from secondary (additional) jobs is common for IDP informed that social benefits were the main source women. A suggestion can be made that such structure of their incomes). As compared with local women, of incomes is determined not only by a smaller role IDPs are also more dependent on financial assistance of wages, but also by a need for additional incomes from other family members: 40% of the interviewed to provide for the usual living standards at a new IDP women received support from relatives, while place. On the other hand, the share of incomes 17% of them regard this support as the main source from subsistence farming is several times smaller of incomes (Annex C, Table C.4). As to the structure in the structure of IDP’s incomes as compared with of incomes of local women, the main contribution respondents from local communities, because most is provided by official wages at the main job (50% displaced women have lost opportunities to cultivate of the interviewed women had such income, while it their plots of land. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

EXPERIENCE OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT AS A RESULT OF CONFLICT According to the The last movements reported by the combat operations (Table 2.2.3). About one survey results, the respondents took place in October 2015. third of IDP respondents reported absence first population However, the prevailing number of the of safe housing (31.9% of women informed displacements started interviewed IDPs (71.4% of respondents) that their homes had been completely or left their homes in June-October of 2014. partially ruined), inability to find a job (37.3% as early as January 2014 Another 15% of IDP respondents moved to of respondents), receive social benefits (i.e. before the active new places in November 2014 – February (37.2% of respondents) and buy food (31.3%). phase of the military 2015. Almost 30% of women reported that they conflict in Donetsk hadn’t seen any future for themselves or their and Lugansk regions) A half of IDP respondents (508 persons) families in those given circumstances. when several survey made a single move to the current place respondents left their of residence, while 29.6% of them changed Although the survey has not revealed any homes. several communities during the displacement significant exclusion of IDPs from basic period; 28.5% of IDP respondents also public services as compared with local changed several places of residence within population (Annex C, Table C.5), women the same community. from both surveyed groups noted it was difficult for them to access some service Only 45 displaced women (4.5% of the total providers in their communities. The largest number of IDP respondents) returned home share of respondents were unsatisfied after their displacement; unfortunately, the with access to administrative services small size of this sub-sample did not allow (30.7% of respondents), free medical care for a representative study of returnees’ life and receiving social benefits (28.4% of circumstances. respondents each). Every fifth woman from the local communities said that it As to the causes and circumstances which was difficult to access social services, legal forced women to move, more than three services, psychological assistance and quarters of respondents mentioned lack of medical services related to reproductive safety in their home communities, including health.

TABLE 2.2.3. CAUSES AND CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH FORCED WOMEN TO MOVE AS A RESULT OF MILITARY CONFLICT IN THE DONETSK AND LUGANSK OBLASTS more than one response option could be selected, N=1,007

Positive responses, %

Home (apartment) was completely or partially ruined 31.9

No (limited) access to drinking water 15.6

No food products available or food was too expensive 31.3

It was unsafe in their settlement (including combat operations) 78.6

No electricity/water/gas supply 16.8

No access to medical assistance 24.9

No access to employment 37.3

No access to social benefits 37.2 26 No access to education (including for children) 17.5 27 No access to the needed medicine and treatments 22.4

Fear of persecution (on the grounds of political or religious beliefs) 10.6

Impossible to conduct business 4.9

No future for myself / family / children 29.3

Other 4.0

These results confirm a need for further development of an integrated system of socially important services in local communities and increasing their accessibility for all population groups, including permanent residents and internally displaced people living in these host communities. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

2.3. PREVALENCE OF VIOLENCE OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY DURING THE CONFLICT AND DISPLACEMENT

The survey program was designed in a way to enable a Because of low population’s awareness of GBV and comparative analysis of prevalence of violent situations difficulties in identifying its manifestations in daily life, faced by women in their communities during the military before asking questions the respondents were provided conflict, at time of displacement and after returning with clear definitions of possible situations related to home (if applicable). Surveying two distinct groups of psychological, economic, physical and sexual violence. women allowed for comparing the experiences of IDPs The interview questions focused on exploring the and permanent population of the regions, estimating their circumstances and consequences of cases deemed most specific vulnerabilities to gender-based violence in the serious by the respondents. conflict zones, and exploring their coping strategies. In order to clearly identify cases directly related to the armed conflict’s impact, questions in the interviewing forms were arranged into separate blocks probing possible cases of violence by outsiders (out of family) and by intimate partners.

PSYCHOLOGICAL Psychological violence by outsiders PHYSICAL Physical violence by outsiders was VIOLENCE was assessed by asking women VIOLENCE assesses by asking women if they whether or not they have experienced experienced a situation where they a situation where they were: (1) were: (1) slapped or hit; (2) choked; intimidated, blackmailed, threatened (3) beaten or kicked; (4) tied up with causing pain or harm to or blindfolded; (5) threatened with loved ones; (2) humiliated, insulted a weapon of any kind; (6) shot or (privately or in front of other people); stabbed; (7) deprived of food, water (3) subjected to improper sexual or sleep; (8) assaulted causing bodily comments; (4) forced to watch harm; and (9) detained against their someone being physically assaulted; will. (5) forced to watch someone being sexually assaulted.

ECONOMIC Economic violence by outsiders SEXUAL Sexual violence was assessed by asking VIOLENCE was assessed by asking women VIOLENCE women whether they: (1) were forced whether or not they have experienced to remove or stripped of their clothing; a situation where they were: (1) (2) were subjected to unwanted kisses; squeezed or denuded of their (3) had their intimate parts touched; money / property; (2) deprived of (4) had their intimate parts beaten; their documents; (3) forced to work (5) were forced or threatened into a without pay or for a pittance; (4) not sexual intercourse; (6) were forced into 28 allowed to go to work or to study. sex for food, water, protection for their 29 families, or other reasons; (7) forced to marry / live together with the violator.

Some women also reported other forms of violence, but they didn’t provide any details to describe these specific situations. Such responses were aggregated as “other (unspecified) situations” in the subsequent analysis. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

EXPERIENCE OF VIOLENCE OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY DURING THE CONFLICT

The survey confirmed Indeed, the prevalence of all forms of directly affected by military actions, higher vulnerability of violence (among IDP women almost thrice the prevalence of all forms of violence internally displaced exceeded that among women from local among IDPs dropped more than thrice, people to all forms of population of the regions: 15.2% of IDP approaching the value observed among respondents (153 women) reported at least local women in the hosting communities. violence (economic, one case of violence during the conflict, At large, only 49 displaced women (4.9% of physical and sexual while there were only 5.3% of local women total IDP respondents) confirmed that they violence covered within surviving such situations (80 women). had experienced at least one situation of the survey program) In the period after fleeing the territories violence after their displacement. explored (Fig. 2.3.1).

FIG. 2.3.2 Share of women PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN SURVIVING AT LEAST ONE who experienced at FORM OF VIOLENCE (FROM OUTSIDERS) DURING least one situation of THE CONFLICT AND DISPLACEMENT PERIOD violence 15.2 16

14 12 5.3 4.9 10

8

6

4

2

0

LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IDPs (during the conflict IDPs (during the (DURING THE CONFLICT) and before conflict) displacement period)

28 29

When disaggregated by region, the Many displaced women reported 1,505 highest prevalence of any form of GBV such experiences in Donetsk oblast LOCAL WOMEN was observed in Kharkiv oblast (almost (52 individuals), but given the high one-quarter of IDP women and 7.2% of concentration of displaced people in local women reported GBV cases). It the region, their proportion was only 11% was also quite high in Dnipropetrovsk among all IDP respondents. Relatively oblast: 20% of interviewed IDPs and lower rates of reported violence during 1,007 4.6% of locals reported at least one the conflict were observed in Lugansk WOMEN AMONG IDPs situation of violence during the conflict. and Zaporizhzhya oblasts (Table 2.3.1). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

TABLE. 2.3.1 DISTRIBUTION OF WOMEN WHO EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE CASE OF VIOLENCE (BY PERPETRATORS OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY) DURING THE CONFLICT, BY REGIONS OF INTERVIEWING

Women among local community Women among IDPs, N=153 members, N=80 Regions Abs. Percent of Frequency Percent respondents of respondents

Donetsk oblast 20 6.6 52 11.0

Dnipropetrovsk oblast 20 4.6 25 20.0

Zaporizhzhya oblast 10 4.2 13 12.0

Lugansk oblast 4 2.4 15 13.8

Kharkiv oblast 26 7.2 48 24.7

At large, internally displaced women reported significantly Nevertheless, the survey has revealed several situations larger numbers of violent situations experienced during directly related to sexual violence by outsiders. In particular, the conflict, both in absolute and relative terms. In total, 13 women (0.5% of all respondents) reported at least one they reported 352 situations related to any form of situation of sexual violence during the conflict: 5 women were violence, including 134 incidences of economic violence, from local communities (0.3% of this respondent group) and 126 occurrences of psychological violence, 14 examples of 8 women were IDPs (0.8% of respondents). physical violence and 14 incidents of sexual violence (Annex D, Table D.1). The total number of violent incidents reported Among the survivors, only two displaced women and three by women from local populations was twice as less (160 local women reported that they were forced to have a sexual episodes), including 42 incidences of economic violence, 66 intercourse. All others mentioned less severe situations incidences of psychological violence, 36 incidences of physical (such as unwanted kissing or touching); however, they also violence and 11 incidences of sexual violence (Annex D, Table confirmed some physical injuries and negative psychological D.2). However, the composition of all violent incidences by effects caused by these episodes19. forms of violence was rather similar for survivors among local women and IDPs (Fig. 2.3.2); such proportional compositions FIG. 2.3.2. provide grounds to argue the increased vulnerability of displaced persons to all forms of violence during the conflict. COMPOSITION OF TOTAL VIOLENT INCIDENCES, At the same time, the share of economic forms of violence REPORTED BY RESPONDENTS OF THE SURVEY, was larger among IDP survivors, including situations when BY FORMS OF VIOLENCE, %. they were forced to give up their money and documents, to 7% 3% work without pay or for a pittance, or not allowed to go to work or study. 26% 24% As to specific forms of violence, the most prevalent reported WOMEN AMONG situations were related to humiliation and insults (5.9% of LOCAL COMMUNITY IDP respondents and 3.1% of local women). Among other MEMBERS prevalent forms, both groups of women mentioned being intimidated, blackmailed and threatened; slapped or hit, forced to give up their money or documents to a perpetrator; 41% forced to work for free or a pittance; and subjected to improper sexual comments (Annex D, Table D.3). Notably, 4% 1% local women mostly reported sporadic cases of such mistreatment (the majority of cases happened only once or 30 21% 31 twice during the conflict), while IDPs who experienced similar situations before displacement reported they had been quite 38% regular (see Annex D, Table D.1). After displacement, the WOMEN AMONG frequency of all forms of violence has significantly dropped LOCAL IDPs (Annex D, Table D.4).

It is widely acknowledged that sexual violence is underreported by sociological surveys due to its socially 36% tabooed nature and possible stigmatization of survivors18. Obviously, such underreporting could yet increase at times of on-going military conflict due to mistrust in confidentiality Economic violence Physical violence of information and fears of reprisal from the assailants. Psychological Sexual violence violence Other forms 18 AMA (1995). Sexual Assault in America, American Medical Association. 19 Acknowledging common underreporting of sexual violence, a case study descriptive approach was applied to the analysis of reported women’s experiences through a detailed review of each situation reported. The contents of questionnaire provided opportunities to explore the circumstances of all reported situations of sexual violence, as well as background characteristics of survivors. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

EXPERIENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING THE CONFLICT: SURVIVOR’S DESCRIPTIVE STORIES

INTERNALLY DISPLACED WOMAN (32 Y.O., COMPLETE The gravest situation took place in July 2014. The woman TERTIARY EDUCATION, EMPLOYED, SEPARATED), was abused at her own home by a perpetrator she knew DISPLACED IN AUGUST 2014 AND STAYED IN TWO personally before. The reported case included intimidation, DIFFERENT SETTLEMENTS SINCE THEN being choked, tied up, forced to have sex, forced to watch other persons being sexually assaulted. She reported an Before her displacement, she was subjected to many unwanted pregnancy and then miscarriage as a result of situations of extra-familial violence, including forced this incident. She had multiple injuries but did not apply for confiscation of her documents, prohibition from going any medical assistance (no reasons for non-applying were to work, intimidation and threats of causing pain given). She didn’t contact law enforcement bodies as she or harm to loved one (4-6 times), slaps or beating was afraid of further violence. She also didn’t tell anyone (3-5 times) and choking (once in a month). She was about her experience because she felt ashamed. detained against her will several times. Almost daily She suffered from psychological disorders after this she was subjected to improper sexual comments, situation, including intrusive memories, nightmares, unwanted kissing, forced to remove her clothing, distorted sleep, permanent feelings of fear or guilt. touched on her intimate parts and coerced into sexual She mentioned deep depression and suicidal thoughts intercourse. The woman also reported that she had emerging after this episode. Later, she applied to a clinic been forced to live together with the perpetrator. for psychological assistance and was provided with Moreover, she was forced to watch other women being much needed support. With regards to potential coping sexually assaulted several times; the woman confirmed strategies, the woman noted that the assistance of medical that similar situations were experienced by other workers would have been helpful, as well as the support of women she knew personally (e.g. by her close friend). psychologists and a women’s support group.

INTERNALLY DISPLACED WOMAN (37 Y.O., COMPLETE The worst episode took place in June 2014 when she was TERTIARY EDUCATION, EMPLOYED, DIVORCED), LEFT home alone. She received injuries, including bruises and HOME IN NOVEMBER 2014 scrapes, joint dislocations, but didn’t apply for any medical The reported situations of out-of-family violence before assistance as she was afraid of further violence. After this displacement included forced confiscation of documents, episode, the woman often experienced psychological forced work without any pay or for a pittance, intimidation, issues (nightmares, intrusive memories, changes in sleep blackmail, threats of pain or harm to loved ones, numerous patterns); she also mentioned the permanent feeling of cases of humiliation and beating. Moreover, she was subjected fear and helplessness, detachment from reality and deep to unwanted sexual comments and forced to remove her depression. The woman didn’t apply for socio-psychological clothing (once in a week), subjected to unwanted touching of assistance or for support from law enforcement bodies. She her intimate parts. About once in a month she had a sexual also didn’t tell anyone about this episode, but she believed intercourse against her will and was forced to live together that psychological support would be useful to cope with with the perpetrator. She also reported situations where her consequences of this situation. female relative was beaten, had her documents confiscated, She also experienced intimate partner violence before the was detained and forced to have sex against her will. conflict (including situations related to emotional violence and In total, that woman reported seven episodes of forced controlling behaviour, as well as hitting and detention against detention during the conflict; she was detained at her own her will); some of these situations took place during the last home and experienced physical and sexual violence there. 12 months (before a divorce). The main provoking factors of The woman reported that some kind of relationship with her intimate partner violence were related to her husband’s issues abuser developed, but stated that they were not together at with money. However, the woman reported that she now the time of interview. knew how to deal with the problems of domestic violence.

30 31 31 LOCAL WOMAN OF (31 Y.O., BASIC TERTIARY and exacerbation of chronic diseases. She didn’t apply EDUCATION, NON-MARRIED BUT HAD A PARTNERSHIP for medical assistance as there was no proper medical BEFORE, UNEMPLOYED) institution in her community. Due to the same reason, the She reported the following instances of violence outside the woman didn’t refer to law enforcement bodies. family during the conflict: she was humiliated and insulted The woman mentioned having psychological problems after (once in a month), experienced physical injuries (1-2 times), this situation (frequent intrusive memories, feeling of fear or forced to remove her clothing, subjected to unwanted kissing, guilt sometimes). But she didn’t apply for any psychological forced or coerced into sex, compelled into for rewards such as support because of her mistrust of psychologists. To cope food etc. with this situation, the woman talked to a female family The most serious situation took place in May 2013 and was member, her friends and a lawyer about her experiences. She committed by unknown perpetrators. As a result, she had was listened to, but nothing was done to help her. She had many injuries (bruises and scrapes, deep wounds and cuts) no expectations of any help at the time of interview either. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CIRCUMSTANCES OF VIOLENCE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY DURING THE CONFLICT

As the survey revealed, While about one third of all survivors of same forms of violence as the most serious the experience of violence reported it had been committed episodes, the generalized circumstances of violence faced by local by unknown individuals, displaced women these situations differ significantly between women and IDP women more often reported violent incidents these groups (Table 2.3.2). Local women committed by military personnel. mostly reported situations committed is quite different in terms According to local women, more incidents by one aggressor they knew personally. of the circumstances of of violence were committed by neighbours They usually were alone at the time of GBV incidents. / community members, employers and the incident and didn’t face particularly bosses. Single incidents were reported as serious threats to their safety. It looks like committed by law enforcement personnel, most situations were hardly influenced by social workers, medical workers, teachers, the on-going conflict; they rather reflect a priests and staff of humanitarian aid snapshot of everyday life of the Ukrainian organizations. society. In contrast, displaced women mostly reported violent situations caused To explore the circumstances of violent by a group of strangers, associated with situations during the conflict, both groups direct threats of violence or death to them of respondents were asked to specify or witnesses. In contrast to local women, the most serious episode (if they had IDPs mentioned the checkpoints at the encountered more than one). Even though demarcation line as locations of increased both groups of respondents mentioned the risk for all forms of violence.

TABLE 2.3.3. CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE MOST SERIOUS SITUATIONS OF VIOLENCE DURING THE CONFLICT (respondents, who have experienced at least one incident of violence)

Survivors among local women, N=80 Survivors among IDPs, N=153

Most serious violent incident experienced during the conflict

Situations where women were humiliated, slapped or hit, Situations where women were forced to give up their money forced to give up their money / property, intimidated, had / property, threatened with any weapon, slapped or hit, their documents confiscated, forced to work for free, threat- humiliated, intimidated, had their documents confiscated, ened with any weapon. forced to work for free.

Number of perpetrators

Two thirds of survivors informed about 1 perpetrator; one fifth 60% of survivors informed that a group of people was partici- of respondents were perpetrated by a group of people; 15% pating; one fourth of respondents suffered from 1 aggressor; of women found it difficult to answer this question. 13.7% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question. Two thirds of survivors knew the perpetrator personally at the Most survivors did not know their perpetrators personally at time of the incident; situations caused by a group of people the time of the incident (85% of respondents surviving vio- were mostly associated with strangers. lence from a group of people, and 70% of women surviving violence from 1 person).

Witnesses of violent incidents

About a half of the women were alone when the incident Two thirds of survivors reported some witness at the time; happened. Among witnesses to the incident, friends and col- among them 17% were together with their husbands, 20% 32 leagues were mentioned most often (one in ten women), only with children, 11% with friends, 11% with colleagues. 33 7.5% of survivors reported that they’d faced violent experi- ence in presence of husbands and children.

Threats at the time of the incident

Only 3.8% of survivors reported direct death threats at the 35% survivors reported direct death threats at the time; one- moment; 6.3% of them reported that persons who stayed third of respondents confirmed that people who witnessed with them at the time were in danger as well. this situation were also in danger. Most of them were intimi- dated (26.1%), some of them were beaten; one witness was sexually abused.

Location of violent incidents

About one third of all respondents faced violent incidents in the streets of their settlements; about one fifth of survivors ex- perienced violent incidents in their own homes, 15% of them at their places of work/study. One in ten IDP women reported that they experienced some violence at a checkpoint UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLENT SITUATIONS AND APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE BY SURVIVORS

In spite of low rates of For example, one in five local women and that they hadn’t applied for any reported physical and one in ten displaced women who survived psychological support as they did not sexual violence, some any type of violence confirmed getting trust the personnel and experts of these survivors reported minor injuries (such as bruises, scrapes institutions. and welts). Women also reported single physical injuries or situations of more serious traumas (deep The similar reasons for non-applying diseases obtained as a wounds and bad cuts, joint dislocations), were also reported in terms of medical result of the most serious sexually transmitted diseases and assistance, though the vast number violent situations traumas of reproductive organs, loss of of survivors did not apply for medical (Annex D, Table D.5). consciousness and exacerbation of chronic assistance as they had no need (Annex diseases as a result of violent situations. D, Table D.7). As to those women who The survey also revealed reproductive applied to medical institutions (in losses as several women reported particular to hospital emergency rooms, miscarriages. city clinics, in-patient institutions and stations of primary medical aid), they In addition to physical injuries, a lot used the assistance of traumatologists, of survivors confirmed a range of surgeons, therapists, ophthalmologist, psychological disorders after the most neuropathologist and otolaryngologist. serious situations (Annex D, Table D6). The most prevalent psychological The prevailing number of survivors problems mentioned by survivors were didn’t report their attacks to the police intrusive memories (two thirds of local (three quarters of GBV survivors among women and almost three quarters of IDP local population and 83.7% of survivors survivors), significant changes in sleep among displaced women) (Annex D, patterns (almost 40% of local women and Table D.8). Among the most prevalent more than a half of IDPs) and recurrent reasons for not involving the police was nightmares (52% of IDPs), permanent mistrust of law enforcement bodies feelings of fears or guilt (one third of local among (15% of local survivors and 20% women and about 40% of IDPs), feeling of of IDP survivors) and not knowing where helplessness etc. to ask for the assistance of police (13.3% of IDP survivors). Importantly, one in Psychological problems after surviving ten survivors among displaced women violence were not only more prevalent highlighted that they hadn’t reported among IDP survivors, but also more their situation to the police because they intense in terms of frequency. The share feared further violence (see Table 2.3.3). of displaced women who frequently experienced negative psychological Some women reported that they had effects was two to three times larger than wished to report their situation to the police that of local women (depending on the but were discouraged or their appeals were form of disorder). Moreover, almost one not accepted, criminal proceedings were fourth of IDP survivors reported having a not initiated or not transferred to the courts deep depression after the episode, while (see Annex D, Table D.8). The survey also about 5% of them told that they were so revealed no common practice to apply for unhappy that had suicidal thoughts. any legal advice in cases of dealing with law enforcement bodies. 32 However, only one in ten survivors applied 33 for socio-psychological support to any GENERALLY, THE SURVIVORS OF service provider. As to the reasons for VIOLENCE WERE USED TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER non-applying, more than a half of local PEOPLE (ANNEX D, TABLE D.9), BUT survivors and 41.5% of IDP survivors MOST OF THEM TALKED TO THEIR mentioned that they had no need of NEAREST ONLY. THIS INCLUDED support (Table 2.3.3). At the same time, SPOUSES, PARTNERS, OTHER FAMILY one fifth of IDP survivors didn’t know MEMBERS AND CLOSE FRIENDS. where to apply to for psychological support (21.5% of respondents); 15.5% Very few women (less than 5% of IDP of local women and almost 10% of survivors and 3% of local survivors) IDP women said that there were no reported episodes of violence to some proper providers available in their area. other people such as medical and social Also, 12.7% of local survivors reported workers, humanitarian relief workers, NGO UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

TABLE 2.3.3. REASONS FOR NON-APPLYING FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF SUPPORT BY SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE

Survivors among local women, Survivors among IDPs, N=80 N=153 - - - -

Reasons for non-applying for support Medical Medical assistance assistance ment bodies ment bodies Law enforce Law enforce Law Socio-psycho Socio-psycho logical support logical support

No need for support 81.4 59.2 61.7 82.0 41.5 32.0

Not knowing where to apply 3.1 21.5 13.3

Lack of relevant institution in my settlement 1.4 15.5 3.3 2.3 9.6 7.0

Fear of further violence 5.7 4.2 5.0 3.9 1.5 9.4

Being ashamed 0.8 2.2 1.6

Being afraid of publicity / stigma 1.4 1.7 1.6 4.4 2.3

Having no money 4.3 1.4 1.7 0.8 2.2

Having no transport to get to institution 1.6 5.9

Having no trust towards personnel / experts 2.9 12.7 15.0 1.5 2.2 20.3

Other 4.3 5.6 11.7 2.3 8.9 4.7

Total responses 100 100 100 100 100 100

representatives, psychologists and D, Table D.8). Only a few women religious authorities. One in ten local religious authorities, police and lawyers. reported that they were referred women reported that medical workers The GBV survivors among displaced to medical workers and police, were also helpful. women also shared their experience psychologists, religious authorities and with humanitarian relief workers (5.2% women’s support groups. As to possible coping strategies in of IDP survivors), NGO workers (4.6%) case of violence in the future, the and psychologists (3.3% of survivors). So the analysis of coping strategies respondents’ expectations are also As to those women who didn’t tell in case of violence revealed that associated with emotional support anyone about their experience, they survivors usually find their close of loved ones (about one third of mentioned that they’d had no trust in friends and loved ones most helpful all survivors). As to other potential anyone or believed that nothing could (Annex D, Table D.10). In general, three strategies, the respondents mentioned be done to improve their situation. quarters of local women and 80% of helpful assistance of psychologists The most common reaction to IDPs surviving any violence said that (13.7% of IDPs and 8.8% of local reports of violence was emotional their family members and friends women), women’s support groups support from loved ones (reported have been the most helpful. A very (almost 6% of displaced survivors) by about 60% of all survivors). One few displaced women mentioned that and support of NGOs. One in ten local in seven women admitted she had NGO representatives and humanitarian women mentioned possible helpful been listened to by others, but they aid workers have been the most assistance from representatives of law did nothing to help her (see Annex helpful, as well as psychologists and enforcement or local authorities.

34 35 SPECIAL SURVIVAL STRATEGIES DURING THE CONFLICT

The survey revealed the emergence of the new forms 47 and 75 y.o.) reported that they had been engaged of GBV related to special strategies of survival during in sex work for money, food or services. Two displaced the conflict and/or humanitarian crisis. Thus, 5 women respondents (26 y.o. and 27 y.o.) also confirmed such from local communities of the surveyed regions (0.3% of experience before their displacement to the current respondents) and 6 women from IDP communities (0.6% place of stay. Other respondents have confirmed these of respondents) confirmed that they had non-forcibly uncommon patterns of forced behaviour during the crisis, undertaken some uncommon activities because they but did not provide any clarifications in order for the report felt they needed to do so for survival during the conflict. to understand the character and consequences of these Among them, three local women of different ages (26, episodes. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

FORCED DETENTION DURING THE CONFLICT

The survey revealed Among women from local communities, experience of never-displaced women several incidents of only two respondents reported that they in local communities and women who forced detention of were forcibly detained during the conflict were forced to leave their homes because women during the (since December 2013); yet 7 women of the conflict argues that the risks of refused to answer. Both local women all forms of violence are higher among conflict. Such cases who confirmed their forced detention IDPs. While there were 153 IDP women were reported by reported that they had been detained at reporting at least one situation of violence displaced women a checkpoint; they were held in detention before their displacement, only 49 women and local residents of for 6 and 8 hours, respectively, and didn’t indicated they had survived at least one the conflict-affected then experience physical or sexual violence. case of violence after displacement. With regions. However, the One of the respondents reported that she regard to relative numbers, the reported frequency of situations, had experienced 7 situations of forced prevalence of violence among IDPs after circumstances and detention during the conflict. their displacement has approached the severity of mistreatments prevalence rates reported by local women were quite different for Among the IDP respondents, 9 women of host communities. these two groups of reported at least one situation of forcible respondents. detention during the conflict (and before The conflict’s impact on GBV is not only displacement). Most of these episodes took limited by the increased number of violent place at women’s homes, 4 situations - at situations and the number of victims. The the checkpoints. One woman reported conflict also puts women through violence being forcibly detained for 3 days; 3 were more severe and brutal than in peaceful detained for 9 to 24 hours; 4 women were times, often through direct threats to life detained for less than 9 hours. In contrast and with more traumatic consequences. to local community members, displaced The absence of the customary practices women reported situations of physical to seek help in case of violence, usual lack and sexual violence during their forced of support services for GBV survivors and detention. their total unavailability during combat operations, low level of people’s trust Therefore, the survey has confirmed that towards personnel of the existing service the military conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk institutions and loss of oversight of them oblasts resulted in the increased incidence in large areas by the government – these of all forms of violence, including gender- factors describe only part of the problems based violence, in areas where combat that make women who have survived operations took place. A comparison of violence mostly cope alone.

34 35 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

2.4. PREVALENCE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DURING THE CONFLICT

A special block of questions was devoted to issues of year preceding the conflict and during the last 12 months intimate partner violence (IPV) in order to explore the (at the time of the survey). Additional questions were dynamics of its prevalence as a result of the conflict in devoted to the experience of IPV during their entire life and Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts. To assess the conflict’s regarding all partners they’ve ever had. To assess the needs impact, the respondents were asked questions about for developing services for survivors of domestic violence, their general attitude to IPV and their personal experience we also studied the features of women’s applications for related to husband’s / partner’s mistreatment during the help and their vision of IPV coping strategies.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF VIOLENCE OUTSIDE THE FAMILY DURING THE CONFLICT

The survey confirmed Regardless of current marital status, As to helpful coping strategies in case of the high prevalence more than a half of respondents agreed IPV, more than a half of all respondents of the traditional it was important for men to show their stated that family members were the most stereotypes on the wives who is the boss in the family helpful persons in these situations (Fig (Annex E, Table E.1), while about 41% of 2.4.1). Such responses were more prevalent distribution of gender the interviewed women responded that a among women from local communities roles in the Ukrainian good wife should obey her husband even (65.7% of respondents) as compared with society. if she disagreed. The public perception of displaced women (50.8% of respondents) spousal arguments (and conflicts between who might have their family ties broken partners) as exclusively a private matter is due to displacement. Probably friendship very strong: more than 80% of respondents relations were also broken as a result of agreed that family problems should be displacement, as only 24.3% of IDP women discussed with family members only, while found friends helpful in coping with spousal only 46.5% of women agreed that other violence in contrast to one third of women people should intervene in a family conflict in local communities. in cases where a man mistreats his wife. Surprisingly, the respondents demonstrated In spite of the prevalence of stereotypical rather high expectations of assistance attitudes, the vast number of women did from the police, though only few actual not justify the controlling behaviour of GBV survivors applied for assistance to law men in marriage / partnerships (three enforcement bodies (as the survey revealed). quarters of respondents agreed that Moreover, higher expectations of help from women should be able to choose their own the police are common for IDPs (43.3% of friends even if the husbands disapproved). displaced women believed that the police The respondents were also categorical in might be helpful in situations of IPV, while saying that it was not justified for a man to the corresponding share of local women beat his wife (over 90% of all interviewed was 31.8%). Some respondents also believed 36 women, except for situations of unfaithful in the helpful assistance of psychologists 37 wives). The vast majority of women agreed (15% of all respondents); one in ten women that women have the right to refuse sex to mentioned lawyers and representatives her husband in some circumstances (see of NGOs (those providing assistance to Annex E, Table E.1). women) being helpful as well.

More than 80% of respondents agreed that family problems should be discussed with family members only UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

FIG 2.4.1. OPINIONS ON HELPFUL COPING STRATEGIES IN CASE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE LOCAL WOMEN AMONG (distribution of responses to question “In your opinion, if a woman was WOMEN being mistreated by her husband/partner, who can help her best?”) IDPs

Family members

Friends

Medical worker

Social worker

NGO providing assistance to women

Police

Lawyer

Religious authority

Women`s support group

Psychologist

Other person

All respondents were asked to provide by the military conflict but received a total respondents interviewed in the their subjective assessments of the lot of displaced people). region). Such results could reflect the impact of military conflict in Donetsk important changes in life priorities of and Lugansk oblasts on the prevalence At the same time, one fifth of all residents of regions directly affected 36 of IPV. Almost 40% of all respondents women responded that the number by the conflict: the problem of 37 mentioned that the number of of arguments between partners domestic violence could have become arguments between partners increased has not changed (this opinion was not so important at a background (Annex E, Table E.2). This opinion was more characteristic of local women of more serious survival challenges. most prevalent among the displaced as compared with IDPs), while 11.7% Also, the extreme conditions of the women (45% of IDPs against 36% of all respondents even argued that on-going military conflict could have of local women), as well as among the number of arguments in families resulted in the real consolidation of respondents in Zaporizhzhya and has even decreased. The last opinion people in front of more serious threats, Kharkiv oblasts (i.e. in those regions was more wide-spread among leading in the respective changes in which haven’t been directly affected respondents in Donetsk oblast (17% of patterns of family behaviour. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DURING THE CONFLICT Less than a half of all currently married / partnered women FIG 2.4.2. confirmed that they argued or had some sort of conflicts FREQUENCY OF CONFLICTS BETWEEN PARTNERS with their husbands / partners during the last month. IN FAMILIES One third of them stated that they’d had several conflict (distribution of responses to question “How often times situations each month; one in ten women had some conflict a month would you say that you argue or have some sort with her partner once a week; about 3% of respondents of conflict between you and your husband/partner?”) reported that they argued with their husbands / partners (currently married or partnered respondents) every day (Fig 2.4.2).

100 % The share of women who hadn’t argued with their husbands 5,8 5,6 over the last month was larger among IDP respondents 1,8 (almost a half of them as compared with 42.2% of local 3,8 10,8 women). That may be caused by the temporary breakups 10,1 with their husbands / partners due to displacement, and 80 % also by the consolidation of family members at new places of residence in front of new survival challenges. 38,1 32,9 As to the main causes of conflicts between partners, the 60 % vast number of women mentioned dissatisfaction with their living conditions (54% of all respondents) and lack of money (41.7% of all respondents). Financial and employment problems were more urgent for IDPs as compared with 40 % women from local communities (Annex E, Table E.3). Local women mentioned unequal distribution of household work as a source of conflicts between partners more often (22.2% of local women against 12.9% of IDPs). One fourth of all 42,2 48,8 20 % PSYCHOLOGICAL respondents reported that they argued with their husbands VIOLENCE because of children, while women from local communities were also more concerned with alcohol / drugs abuse as a reason of spousal conflicts (12.8% of respondents of this group). 0 %

When speaking about their personal experience of spousal LOCAL WOMEN quarrels, a half of all respondents mentioned that the WOMEN AMONG IDPs frequency of conflicts with their husbands / partners has not changed as a result of the conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk oblast. One in ten women highlighted that her Don't know spousal conflicts have become less frequent; only one Every day fourth of all respondents reported an increased number Once in a week of personal spousal conflicts (Table 2.4.1). The distribution One-two times a month of responses was also characterized by some regional Never variation: the prevailing number of respondents interviewed in Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts haven’t felt significant changes in the prevalence of spousal conflicts ECONOMIC in their own families, while respondents from Donetsk oblast VIOLENCE were more categorical in their opinions – 38 regarding both positive and negative assessments. 39

Thus, when summarizing the survey findings related to the general public’s attitudes to IPV, not only the traditional stereotypes regarding gender roles in families should be noted, but also that they could possibly be reinforced as a result of the conflict. Such a re-orientation of women towards more traditional gender roles could be regarded as a strategy of survival in the conditions of humanitarian crisis. Women are not likely to justify the extreme manifestations of physical violence and controlling behaviour in a marriage, but usually do not accept interventions by outsiders when dealing with spousal issues, labelling it as a “private family matter”. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

TABLE 2.4.1. RESPONDENTS’ OPINION ON CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF ARGUMENTS WITH THEIR HUSBANDS / PARTNERS AS A RESULT OF MILITARY CONFLICT IN DONETSK AND LUGANSK OBLASTS (currently married or partnered respondents who reported any conflicts, N=770)

“In your opinion, have arguments between you and your husband/partner become more fre- quent after the beginning of the conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts?” Regions More frequent About the same Less frequent Don’t know Total

Donetsk oblast 34.7 32.7 22.3 10.4 100.0

Dnipropetrovsk oblast 23.3 54.1 5.3 17.3 100.0

Zaporizhzhya oblast 18.1 71.7 8.7 1.6 100.0

Lugansk oblast 20.0 44.3 5.7 30.0 100.0

Kharkiv oblast 21.4 60.1 3.6 14.9 100.0

Total 5 regions 24.9 51.6 10.4 13.1 100.0

FREQUENCY AND FORMS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE BEFORE AND DURING THE CONFLICT

To assess personal experiences of intimate partner violence, the respondents were provided with definite descriptions of situations related to various types of psychological violence and controlling behaviour, economic, physical or sexual violence committed by their current (most recent) husband/partner.

PSYCHOLOGICAL was assessed by asking the women PHYSICAL was assesses by asking women if their VIOLENCE whether or not their husbands / VIOLENCE husbands did any of the following: partners (1) said or did something to (1) slapped or hit her; (2) tried to intimidate, threaten to hurt or harm choke her; (3) beat her, including her or someone close to her; (2) punching and kicking; (4) threatened humiliated or insulted her or made her or attacked her with a weapon of any feel bad about herself (privately or kind; (5) deprived her of food, water in front of other people). Practices of or sleep; (6) caused any other bodily controlling behaviour were assessed injuries; and (7) detained her against through asking about situations her will. when husbands / partners (1) kept respondents away from medical care or refused to let them take medicines or receive medical treatments; (2) forbid them from seeing friends, parents or other relatives.

ECONOMIC was assessed by asking women SEXUAL was assessed by asking women VIOLENCE whether or not their husbands (1) VIOLENCE whether their husbands did refused to give them money for physically force or threatened her 38 household expenses even when they into sex, or forced her to have sex 39 had money for other things, and (2) with his friends or strangers. forbid them from working or studying.

To assess the impact of the conflict on IPV rates, the 7.5% of local women reported that they faced any IPV frequencies of reported situations were compared for before the conflict, the corresponding reported rates were the last year preceding the conflict and during the last 12 6.9% and 8.2% during the last 12 months. Some decrease months (at the time of interview). in the IPV rates among displaced persons supports the hypothesis of women’s transition to more traditional, The survey revealed that IPV rates haven’t practically patriarchal models of marital relations in front of the new changed among women who had husbands / partners challenges at times of deep crisis. during these periods (Fig 2.4.3). While 7.9% of IDPs and UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

FIG. 2.4.3. IPV RATES (ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE) IN THE SURVEYED REGIONS BEFORE THE CONFLICT IN 8.3 DONETSK AND LUGANSK OBLASTS AND DURING 7.9 7.5 THE LAST 12 MONTHS 9 6.9 8 (respondents who confirmed that they’d had husbands / partners during the corresponding periods of time) 7 6 Share of women reporting at 5 least one situation IPV during the 4 last year before the conflict, % 3 2 Share of women reporting at 1 least one situation IPV during the 0 last 12 months, % IDP WOMEN LOCAL WOMEN

In the regional aspect, the highest IPV rates were reported FIG. 2.4.4. by respondents interviewed in Donetsk oblast: over 10% of COMPOSITION OF THE TOTAL REPORTED INCIDENCES OF IPV BY FORM OF VIOLENCE. women who were in marital / partner relationship during the periods of the survey reported that they experienced 1% at least one form of IPV. However, there were no persistent regional variation in the outlined trends; the most dynamic 22% 53% changes were recorded in Kharkiv oblast where the share of women confirming IPV increased from 5.7% during THE ENTIRE LAST YEAR the year preceding the conflict to 8.4% during the last 12 BEFORE THE CONFLICT months (Annex E, Table E.4). (all respondents who reported that they had The obtained data on IPV look rather underestimated if husband/partner over compared with the results of previous sociological surveys, that time, N=1,364) including the 2007 Ukraine Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS)20. According to UDHS-2007, 12.7% of 24% married women reported physical violence committed by their most recent husbands/partners, while 22.4% of them faced emotional violence in their marriage / partnership, 2% and 3.3% of women experienced some form of sexual violence by husbands / partners21. It can be suggested 18% 56% that underreporting of IPV situations might be caused by women’s concerns about the confidentiality of information DURING and fears of reprisal of abusers in the conditions of the THE LAST 12 MONTHS on-going conflict. The rate of reporting might be also (all respondents who influenced by women’s unwillingness to provide any reported that they had information about male household members due to their husband/partner over feared possible mobilization to the army (see Paragraph that time, N=1,369) 2.1). The outlined hypothesis of the traditional gender roles getting stronger in the conflict setting shouldn’t be 24% neglected. This phenomenon has to be studied in detail by social scientists and gender experts. Psychological Economic violence Compared to the period preceding the conflict in Donetsk violence and Physical violence 40 and Lugansk oblasts, the total number of reported controlling behavior Sexual violence 41 situations related to the intimate partner violence has decreased (Annexes E5 –E6), but the structure of these As to the most prevalent forms of intimate partner situations by different types of violence has not changed. violence, for both periods before the conflict and during Among the situations reported, psychological violence and the last 12 months, women reported the incidents when controlling behaviour prevailed (53% of all IPV cases before their husbands / partners humiliated or insulted them or the conflict and 56% of all cases during the last 12 months). made them feel bad about themselves (privately or in About a quarter of all situations were related to forms of front of other people); refused to give them money for economic violence in marriage, one fifth of all situations – household expenses (even when the spouse had money to forms of physical violence. Only a few percent of all for other things); forbid them from seeing friends; slapped reported situations were related to forms of sexual violence, or hit them; said or did something to intimidate them or i.e. situations where husbands forced their wives into sex threatened to hurt or harm them or someone close to against their will (Fig. 2.4.4). them; forbid them to see parents or other relatives.

20 Source: http://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR210/FR210.pdf 21 Obviously, these data cannot be directly compared with the current survey’s results, as the UDHS was designed for another age criteria of respondents (women aged 15-49 were interviewed), and women of reproductive age might be more exposed to IPV than women of older age groups. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CIRCUMSTANCES OF SITUATIONS OF IPV AND SURVIVORS’ OPINION ON HELPFUL COPING STRATEGIES

Women confirming any incidences of IPV were asked unacceptable aspect of domestic violence. At the time of additional questions to explore the circumstances of these interviews, 77 women reported that they had been subjected situations, in order to determine the provoking factors to beatings by their husband / partner during pregnancy and to study the practice of seeking help by survivors. (3.4% of all women who reported ever being pregnant). About 40% of IPV survivors reported that their husbands One in ten women stressed that there were no special / partners started such misbehaviour in the first 4 years of circumstances that would provoke her husband to such marriage; many of them (24.7% of local women and 15.4% of behaviour (Annex E, Table. E.10). Among other respondents, women among IDPs) confirmed that the first situations of about a half of women who have survived such incidents the intimate partner violence had taken place during the first explained the situation happened because of alcohol or drug year after marriage (Annex E, Table E.7). abuse by the husband; 27.3% of respondents believed that the incident was caused by jealousy. Among other reasons, Among the provoking factors of IPV leading to hurtful the survivors mentioned spousal problems with employment behaviour of husbands / partners, one third of all survivors and finances. The survey confirmed that such misbehaviour mentioned problems with money. The second important could result in significant reproductive losses – one fifth of factor mentioned by both groups of women was alcohol women who had been beaten during pregnancy reported a / drugs abuse (19.2% of IDP women and 16.5% of local miscarriage or premature birth after these attacks. women). One quarter of local women also mentioned that partner’s mistreatment was provoked by his jealousy, but The study into individual coping strategies in cases of only 7.7% of displaced women had the same opinion. IPV showed no common practice of seeking any form of assistance in such situations. About 60% of survivors did not About one fourth of all women who survived any incident apply for any assistance and didn’t share their experience of intimate partner violence knew that their husbands / with anyone (Annex E, Table E.11). Among women who partners had previously experienced some violence in their sought support, most of them asked for help from their own families as children or adolescents (see Annex E, Table parents (one in ten survivors of domestic violence), other E.7). These data allow tracing a link between patterns of family members and friends. Only a few women sought help behaviour in the family learnt in childhood and personal from the law enforcement agencies (4.4% of respondents); experience of marital relations. there were also single cases of appeals to medical workers, psychologists and religious workers. When reflecting on In general, domestic violence is a controversial problem helpful coping strategies in case of IPV, women tend to trust that may affect various household members, including their friends and close family members; some women showed men. Thus, 139 married or partnered women (6.2% of expectations of support from psychologists and special all respondents of this group) reported that had beaten women’s groups. their husband or partner while he hadn’t done them any harm. One third of them confirmed that they had such It should be emphasized that more than one third of IPV an experience during the military conflict in Donetsk and survivors are desperate in terms of opportunities to get any Lugansk oblasts. help, because they believe that no one can help in similar situations (this share is significantly larger among displaced The analysis of the life-long experience of IPV among women - see Annex E, Table. E.11). According to the survey respondents (with consideration of all their partners) reveals results, about a half of all IPV survivors do not know how to a significantly larger extent of the problem than what the deal with a possible attack from their husband or partner experience of recent years demonstrates. Thus, more than in the future. That makes the need for information and 12% of all married or partnered women confirmed that they education campaigns on safety planning for survivors of had been physically injured as a result of mistreatment domestic violence urgent, as well as raising their awareness by her husband / partner (these data are well-correlated of the system of services for women who face similar with the rates of physical violence in marriage provided situations. by UDHS-2007). As many as 7.2% of married or partnered 40 41 respondents were forced to leave their homes because of In general, the survey confirmed that the society still treats husband’s / partner’s mistreatment; 3.3% of women received domestic violence as a common and usual practice and serious injuries as a result of such situations (such as deep deals with it quite tolerantly, except for the extreme forms of cuts, broken teeth or bone fractures); 3.2% of women were physical violence. However, the military conflict in Donetsk forced to seek outpatient care because of the injuries, and and Lugansk oblasts has not resulted in a significant about 1% of women were hospitalized after such incidents increase in the rates of intimate partner violence. This can (Annex E, Table E.8). Importantly, among those women who be explained by the flaws of case under-reporting during sought medical care because of injuries, more than one third sociological surveys in the conflict settings, particularly, never told health workers the cause of their injuries (Annex by women’s unwillingness to report such incidents fearing E, Table E.9). possible reprisal from abusers or subsequent mobilization of their husbands or partners into the military, and also When analysing the consequences of IPV in the context of by more complex social processes transforming the social women’s health, special attention should be paid to another norms and roles in the conditions of humanitarian crises. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

2.5. CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF RESPONDENTS

Acknowledging the sensitive character of questions and the military conflict. Therefore, an urgent need for the their possible traumatic effect for women who have recently development of accessible service of psychological survived violence, the respondents were asked about their assistance (including emergency psychological support) current mental health and well-being. These questions were is important not only for those women who directly posed to estimate possible psychological disorders and to faced violence during the conflict, but also for other IDPs. provide referrals to the proper service providers in case of a Permanent anxiety, uncertainty and frustration in the future need. At the end of interview, all respondents were provided may lead to development of long-term psychological effects with updated information on institutions providing support and affect the quality of life for this population in the future, to GBV survivors in the surveyed regions. causing the increased risks of violence in and outside the family. At the time of interview, most respondents did not demonstrate significant psychological disorders or stressful As to the coping strategies for improving the emotional states: about a half of local women stated that they felt no state, the vast majority of respondents mentioned the psychological disorders more than usually (Annex F, Table importance of family support (74% of local women and F.1). Furthermore, from 10 to 35% of local women said they 69% of women among IDPs) and support of friends (47% didn’t feel any psychological issues at all. Only 7% of local of local women and 40% of women among IDPs). Among women said that they were unable to enjoy their normal other means, the respondents called the assistance of day-to-day life more often than usually, 6% of them lost psychologists, religious workers and women’s support sleep over worries and felt constantly under strain much groups. Overall, IDPs demonstrated significantly higher more than usual. Less than 5% of respondents said that expectations of support from external service providers, they’d lost self-confidence, felt unhappy and depressed. while expectations of local women were largely associated with help of family members and friends (Annex F, However, the psychological status of displaced women Table F.2). It might be assumed that such distribution of interviewed during the survey was not so positive. Almost responses is caused by possibly broken ties among friends one third of them reported various stressful disorders and relatives due to displacement, as well as by higher expressed more than usual. The proportion of respondents dependence of IDPs on the external help - both of public who said they felt no psychological disorders at all institutions and civil society organizations dealing with their was about twice as less as that of women from local problems. communities. More than 15% of IDP women stressed that they had recently faced psychological issues much It the end of interviews, all women were asked about their more often than usual: sleeplessness over worries, feeling current well-being after questioning. Positively, the vast constantly under strain, inability to enjoy a normal day-to- majority of respondents did not feel any negative impact day life, lost self-confidence. Almost 14% of IDP women of the survey: more than a half of women among IDPs and mentioned that they had been feeling unhappy, unable to 62.7% of local women did not specify any changes in their face their problems and depressed much more than usual. emotional state after responding to the questionnaire. Moreover, about 30% of respondents of both target These results confirm the existence of negative groups stressed that they felt good or better after talking psychological consequences of experiencing internal with interviewers (Table 2.5.1). It proves the importance of displacement, surviving humanitarian crisis and deprivation any psychological support to GBV survivors, as even the of the normal way of life faced by IDPs, as well as their opportunity to share their experience with someone else increased vulnerability in terms of personal safety during could improve the emotional state of these women.

TABLE 2.5.1. RESPONDENT’S PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE AFTER THE INTERVIEW (all respondents, N=2,512) 42 43

“I have asked you about many difficult things. How has talking about these things made you feel?” Responses

Local women, N = 1,505 IDPs, N=1,007

Good/better 29.2 30.9

Bad/worse 2.8 7.3

Same/no different 62.7 55.3

Don’t know 5.3 6.5

Total 100.0 100.0 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE SECTION 3. QUALITATIVE STUDY OF GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT- AFFECTED REGIONS BASED ON DATA OF FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES 3.1. PUBLIC ATTITUDE TO THE PROBLEM OF GBV AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF THE MILITARY CONFLICT ON GBV PREVALENCE

The qualitative assessment of situation with GBV prevalence and community attitudes in the conflict- THE TOPIC GUIDE FOR FOCUS affected regions of Ukraine is based on the data of GROUP DISCUSSIONS COVERED THE focus group discussions conducted at the beginning FOLLOWING ISSUES: of October 2015. Two focus group discussions (up to • general moods in the society, changes to the 10 participants each) were organized in each region routine life of communities, changes in relations covered by the study, including Kramatorsk town between women and men as a result of military (Donetsk region), Severodonetsk town (Lugansk conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk regions; region), Dnepropetrovsk city (Dnepropetrovsk region), • attitude to the internally displaced persons in local Berdyansk town (Zaporizhzhya region), Izyum and communities; Lozovaya towns (Kharkiv region) • assessment of the situation with GBV spreading in local communities and its linkages with the military The target groups of the qualitative assessment were conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk regions; represented by women and men of various ages living • understanding forms and dimensions of GBV, in the settlements of these regions. Methodological including domestic violence and sexual violence; approaches to recruiting and selection of participants identification of vulnerable population groups, are presented in Annex G. Considering the high assessment of risk factors that can influence GBV sensitivity of topics investigated, separate groups were levels; organized for men and women, while discussions were • general attitude to problems of gender inequality facilitated by the same-sex moderators. Thereby the in the society, prevalence of gender stereotypes maximum level of comfort was ensured for participants and their influence on interpersonal relations in to provide frank and open responses in the absence of communities. any pressure and biased attitude between genders.

42 43

The results of detailed analysis of from Lugansk and Donetsk regions, the discussions are more drastic and protocols of focus group discussions residents of neighbouring territories emotional in most cases, while their in the conflict-affected regions have not felt such a strong effect of the positions on the proposed topics are demonstrated quite predictable conflict in eastern Ukraine in terms of more clear and stressed. It should also disparities in perceptions of residents their everyday life (“basically, all things be noted that their statements were of communities of Donetsk and remain the same… - the bad, the good more open; they did not demonstrate Lugansk regions situated closely to things. Just like in real life” - a woman, any willingness to evade the discussion the area of military operations, and Dnipropetrovsk region). Estimates of “uncomfortable” issues and sensitive representatives of the neighbouring of representatives of the liberated topics or provide the “necessary” regions. Compared with respondents towns of Donbas who participated in answers and the “expected” assessments. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

ATTITUDE TO THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES. ASSESSMENT OF THEIR VULNERABILITY IN TERMS OF PREJUDICE AND VIOLENCE.

In the overwhelming majority, the participants of discussions from all regions demonstrated a tolerant attitude to the displaced persons, as well as an understanding of their problems and needs.

Except for incidents related to an Except criticism of “dependency” IDPs face the increased risk of unwillingness to rent apartments moods of the displaced persons, violence, including GBV, in the to IDPs (Dnipropetrovk oblast) or representatives of communities host communities. As a result of raising rents (Kharkiv oblast), the express some concerns related to the discussions, a possible risk representatives of communities were increased pressure on local budgets group was outlined – minor children and adolescents unable to report on any specific cases (“As to modular houses, they of prejudice against IDPs. are at the town’s balance. That evacuated from their means servicing, electricity, settlements without parents “I haven’t noticed any displays or living without proper that these people are water supply… The budget is on

distinguished as the displaced Nikopol residents. That’s why supervision at the moment ones. They have dissolved in many of them... have negative (for example, students who moved some way” (a man, Berdyansk). attitude to this modular town” away with their schools, children from - a man, Nikopol), boarding schools evacuated during They are unanimous in their the fighting or those children who while young people – in terms of assessments of a high level of have lost their parents). sympathy and willingness to assist the competitiveness at the labour market as a result of inflow of labour force: displaced persons demonstrated by “When a child is left alone, residents of their settlements at the “They have a priority in the you can actually do anything beginning of the conflict: employment centres … They with him or her... That’s for girls push aside our guys” (a man, and adolescents, it is a very - “We had sympathy to the 35 y.o., Nikopol), “Displaced difficult situation now” (a man, displaced persons” (a woman, persons get employed... they Novomoskovsk). Berdyansk); occupy some part of jobs at Focus group participants emphasize - “Our town responded to all the labour market” (a woman, displaced persons in a very Berdyansk); “Displaced persons the vulnerability of this category friendly way. There were many are placed in jobs in the first of young people in terms of sexual displaced persons, and our turn, provided with social abuse – not only due to their lack of people were bringing clothes, allowance. While the same life experience, but also because of a food. The headquarters were low-income persons living poor economic status, which can be created, all of us understood here do not receive anything… exploited by perpetrators. that these people need just surviving” (a man, to be supported” (a man, Severodonetsk). Novomoskovsk). Another aspect of negative However, the statements attitudes to IDPs should be paid of focus group participants attention, as it is gradually being reveal some changes in the formed in the communities of the attitude of local communities host regions: the arrival of to the displaced people as newcomers is associated with time passes: the deterioration of crime situation, increased number 44 “But later, as some time of thefts, robberies and car 45 passed, when displaced thefts persons refused employment, the attitudes started to (“More thefts are observed. change someway... They make Everyone began to say that demands, as if we are obliged this is Donbass” - a woman, to do something for them. But Izyum town; “Crime situation they do not participate in the .... Bad things happen… near creation of their own well- these houses [modular - ed.] ... being” (a man, Dnipropetrovsk “ – a man, Nikopol). oblast); “They demonstrate such a consumer attitude, as if However, none of the participants all people are obliged to them” supported the assumption that (a man, Izyum). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION WITH GBV PREVALENCE IN THE REGIONS OF EASTERN UKRAINE AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES CAUSED BY THE IMPACT OF THE MILITARY CONFLICT

The key finding of focus group discussions is as follows: in the mass perception of the population, there is a clear distinction between those forms of violence that may occur in a family, and gender- based (sexual) violence that is happening outside the family. The attitudes to these problems differ, as well as perceptions in the context of criminal liability and severity of these offenses. While the facts of sexual abuse cause outrage among community representatives and a desire to bring those liable to justice, domestic violence is primarily considered a normal phenomenon that shouldn’t attract the attention of the society. Involvement of law enforcement agencies in dealing with conflict situations within families is accepted only in cases of extreme forms of physical violence resulting in severe injuries to victims.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE SOCIETY (OUTSIDE THE FAMILY).

Comparative analysis of statements do not cover these aspects of “I think that each of us has of the focus group participants from criminal news presently, so as not faced a robbery, at least a small various regions of eastern Ukraine to aggravate the situation in the one. I was robbed at night by allows tracing quite clear discrepancies society, not to promote a negative three men. Indeed, it’s scary” (a woman, Berdyansk); “It is easier in estimates of GBV prevalence image of the country and its regions. to rob a woman” (a woman, expressed by representatives of There are opinions that some facts Dnipropetrovsk region); ”It is Donetsk and Lugansk regions and are purposefully hidden from the simpler, easier, for potential residents of the neighbouring areas. public, have been suppressed by the thieves to rob a woman“ (a responsible authorities man, Kramatorsk). In particular, residents of Zaporizhzhya and (“We know only about official Compared with residents of Dnipropetrovsk oblasts didn’t facts. But how many are there the neighbouring regions, support the thesis that an unofficial ones?” – a woman, representatives of Donetsk increase in sexual violence Berdyansk; “Similar cases are and Lugansk regions are has been observed in their very rare to be widely imposed significantly more concerned regions due to the military to the public ... Only really with an increase in other high-profile cases ... which conflict. forms of violence in their led to completely irreversible communities – in particular, Although the problem of sexual consequences “- a man, Berdyansk). physical and sexual violence: violence is recognized as a relevant one for most settlements represented “Of course, in our region, in All participants of group discussions by panellists, they agree that such particular in the area of the agreed on the general aggravation of facts are of a singular character. ATO, there is probably the the crime rate in their towns including Moreover, those specific cases highest rate of gender-based increased numbers of thefts and violence in Ukraine. First of all mentioned by participants mostly 44 robberies in the streets. - men against women” (a man, 45 took place long before the conflict. As Severodonetsk). for the Kharkiv region, the position of “I think, there is less sexual the panellists was not so clear: several violence recently, it has faded The respondents agree that the women suggested an increased rate into the background, as regions have traditionally been of sexual violence after the beginning compared with economic crime” characterized by negative criminal of military operations, but such - woman, Dnipropetrovsk situation and high rates of crimes of assumptions were not supported by region. sexual nature objective facts; they were expressed as subjective feelings. They are also unanimous in (“We always had violence recognizing the fact that women against women. It is not just At the same time, some panellists are more vulnerable to such now. It has been always and suggested that the media deliberately manifestations of crime: probably will be forever” - a UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

woman, Kramatorsk town). is going to and with whom” (a that with the arrival of the woman, Kramatorsk ). military men, there are less They also trace a direct link between violent actions committed by the military conflict and increased rates When analysing the trends in GBV civilian population” (a man, Severodonetsk). of sexual violence: since the beginning of the military conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk “Women always suffer at times regions, focus group participants However, participants of of all armed conflicts, and emphasize the contemporary discussions express concerns about the possible increase women become the object of stabilization and significant of violence in the future sexual violence often. I am sure improvements as compared to the last that this happened more than because of a large number of year: once in this conflict also”- a arms in hands of citizens and man, Severodonetsk. uncontrolled circulation of - “You know, all those things are forgotten very quickly. The arms in the region: In spite of non-acceptance of events of the last year emerge sexual violence in the society, in my mind – it was very true, “The rate of violence… has the trends of victimizing the indeed. If you have conducted really become lower. But this survivors are still common a discussion at least a few is a hidden parameter. I think in the public mentality; months earlier, there would be that given so many weapons survivors are considered more impressions, more cases. distributed and circulating around Donbas, it can emerge partially responsible for There would be more stories to tell” (a man, Severodonetsk); any time ... It’s just enough to their attackers’ actions and get weapons and camouflage, in some cases even openly and to wear a mask” (a man, - “There was violence last year. blamed for provocative Kramatorsk ). behaviour. Both women and men Basically, in the villages, not so much in towns. Maybe, people quite unanimously suggested that were afraid to complain. Again, On the other hand, the local a woman can be guilty of a sexual whom could they complain? residents associate their assault happening to her. To police? There are military largest anxiety with presence personnel everywhere ... There is of military forces; they “If we consider violence against much less violence this year” (a perceive men in uniform as women, victims are to blame woman, Severodonetsk); the main source of threat to in 90 percent of cases. Not their security. even the fact that she went - “Recently, I haven’t heard to the wrong place. She is about sexual violence ... I had “Armed men make a provoking often or behaving in heard about it last year”(a man, psychological impact, pressure” an inappropriate way” (a man, Kramatorsk); (a man, Severodonetsk). Berdyansk).

- “With the beginning of The panellists informed about Among the factors which can provoke military operations, the influx circumstances of physical violence sexual violence, the participants of surviving women has grown by armed men in uniform (threats, mention alcohol drinking by women significantly” (a woman, beatings, confiscating documents etc.). or girls, wearing scanty clothing and Kramatorsk); “After liberation of the city, the rate is decreasing provocative behaviour, promiscuity in “It was hard in the first days [the rate of sexual violence] relations and choice of friends, lack of after the arrival of military ...There were more cases before general norms of safe behaviour: personnel. There are some the occupation. Of course, a people among my friends who huge number was observed at - “Provocatively dressed”, were very hard to go over it” (a the time of the occupation. It “provoking appearance man, Severodonetsk). has been just an unbearable and behaviour“ (a woman, hell” (a woman, Kramatorsk). Berdyansk); While discussing vulnerable population 46 groups that run the increased risk 47 - “It is not enough that she is The respondents link normalization of violence, the residents of areas drunk, she is returning home of the situation to presence of the neighbouring Donbas assert that late at night”, “she can become organized patrols constraining possible drunk in a company of drunk or (and, sometimes, well-familiar to women and girls are more vulnerable non-controlling persons” (men, communities) violence performed by to robberies, theft and sexual violence. Kramatorsk); the civilian population. The representatives of Donetsk and Lugansk regions are not so unanimous - “It is not even a matter of a “Given such presence of in their assessments. There are some short skirt, it’s about the culture military personnel in our city, other voices: of behaviour. And the culture the crime and violence rates of a woman, a girl herself. She have become much lower” “Women are even safer than needs to understand where she (a man, Kramatorsk). “I think men in the streets today” UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

(Severodonetsk). unlikely that male victims will seek help looking for some strangers, and disclose their cases. from another region. Girls hope They highlighted the that they will be taken away” increased risks of physical “I think, such events are taking (Severodonetsk town). violence against men due to place. But I don’t think they the conflict: will come out somewhere, that Representatives of neighbouring someone will talk about this” (a regions also noted the impact of “They start to look more closely woman, Izyum). numerous military contingents on at men” (a man, Kramatorsk). the marital situation in the local Residents of Donbas say communities: People from the Lugansk region that the most dangerous are even more categorical in their places in terms of violence - “Divorce rates have increased, statements: are the checkpoints on the even if not official, but families demarcation lines. They focus are not living together... The “Men have suffered more in our attention on the impunity that can families are separated because region” (a man, Severodonetsk), further produce illegal actions and women left for soldiers” (a “there was less violence demonstrate persistent woman, Izyum); against women” (a woman, expectations regarding Severodonetsk). probable silence and “There were some episodes... concealment of such violence When soldiers arrived, a wife The panellists broadly talk about facts by officials: left her husband for a soldier; of men disappearing, kidnapping off they got married and now have ... their children... If girls are the street in front of passers-by “If there is some kind of violence made at the checkpoint, and young, they are interested. They were bored with local guys.” (a (“There were so many cases the leadership is 100% aware woman, Izyum). when they were just picked of it, they still will not take any up. A bag on his head… action. They encourage it”; almost everyone was taken “They will defend their men, not Finally, the panellists stress upon prisoner ... Who knows, where the population” (a man, Lugansk another aspect of the increased risk of they were taken?” - a woman, region). GBV associated with the consequences Severodonetsk). of the armed conflict: “Young people Such hostile attitude to people in who came back from the ATO, Among the circumstances associated uniform can be traced not only in the they are mentally compromised. with the increased risk of violence, cities directly affected by the conflict, Naturally, we cannot expect any good the respondents noted checks of but also among remote communities: outcomes” (a woman, Berdyansk). documents and examinations at Representatives of local checkpoints, simply being in the street, “They believe that if they are communities are well aware especially after curfew wearing a uniform ... or they are of possible psychological on their duty, at some position, disorders among demobilized so they can afford everyone and “Conflict often happens when soldiers returning to their everything. That is, there are they check your documents. If families; they understand no moral values, they lose their you say something wrong, they the need to provide them values” (a woman, Berdyansk), begin” (a man, Severodonetsk). “They feel unpunishable. They with psychological support often behave aggressively” in order to ensure a gradual That is why some women subjectively (women, Izyum). adaptation and return to daily feel themselves rather safer than men: life. In this regard, the problem of At the same time, the participants of domestic violence is very relevant, as it “So it’s better that I go to the discussions in Donetsk and Lugansk has a clear gender dimension. shop myself in the evening than send a man, honestly” (a regions observed some changes in the patterns of women’s 46 woman, Severodonetsk). 47 and girls’ behaviour, which The respondents have not heard about can be related to specific cases of sexual violence against men in survival strategies at times of their communities; they noted that crisis and military conflict: - “There are such places where “this can happen only in prisons” girls like to go. Because they (a man, Berdyansk). know that there are military men. Military men have lots However, they agree that such cases of money” (Kramatorsk town); are more hushed than sexual violence “Now, our guys rarely can afford against women and consider it highly to relax ... and the girls are UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

Participants of the focus groups from “These petty domestic quarrels in the families of friends, relatives and all regions are unanimous in their are not so significant now” (a neighbours. The respondents also assessments of the increased aggression woman, Kramatorsk). remember situations when they had to and number of conflicts in the society: provide direct assistance to survivors: While speaking about the increased “Arguments started to happen number of conflict situations in “I’ve seen many people, I’ve everywhere, even in waiting lines “large” families, i.e. between different heard and read about... I had or on public transport, between generations and relatives, the girlfriends which resorted to neighbours” (a woman, Kharkiv representatives of all communities me in the night” (a woman, region); “People become irritable. Berdyansk). of eastern regions claim that Most likely, even at home, in a these processes are not so family” (a woman, Berdyansk); “I observable in marital and Some women are even hesitant to share think that women have become partner relations; in contrast, their personal experiences of violence in aggressive to all the events families: ... towards the authorities, they say that towards actions of men” (a man, “Among the reasons of my Dnipropetrovsk region). “men became more uncompromising in some divorce, indeed, there was political matters, but they domestic violence. Physical The panellists also agree on the treat their families softer and violence, by my former husband... increased number of conflicts in more attentively” (a woman, Emotional violence, by mother- families, in particular because of political Kramatorsk), “A family that was in-law, her family. I don’t know grounds. Almost in all regions, they recall on the verge of collapse, became how I’ve lived it all through. some cases of broken communication closer due to this conflict” (a When he raised his hand at between relatives as a result of these woman, Severodonetsk). me twice, I’ve just realized – disparities. that’s it for me, it has already They noted some positive become systematic...” (a woman, Berdyansk); “The society is divided. I know changes in the women’s even cases where it came to attitudes towards their own separation of families (a woman, husbands, including more in some cases, they recall the extreme Berdyansk); “Families are compassion, increased desire manifestations of violence – beatings, breaking up, people are fighting to devote more attention and threats of weapons, heavy injuries etc. with each other” (a woman, care to them: Kramatorsk). Women recalling their personal “Women pay more respect to experience of physical violence by However, the mentioned contradictions their men, take care and value intimate partners belong to different are mostly expressed in the form of them, because they can be taken age groups; they have different socio- emotional debates; they do make a away to war”, “As to women, their economic status, different levels of significant influence on the rate of first thought arises about the education. physical violence within families. loss of a breadwinner at time of mobilization ... Accordingly, the Thus, an assumption can be value of a close person, of a man, “There are more... verbal made that the risks of domestic skirmishes. I think it does not is increasing for women” (men, Severodonetsk). violence exist among all reach the massacre”(a man, population groups of Ukraine Lozova). regardless of their socio- Women from the liberated cities of the demographic characteristics or Donetsk region also tell about personal The women’s group of respondents material well-being. argues that those conflicts in families changes in attitudes towards their husbands: that increased during the military The panellists were unable to come to 48 confrontation in Donbass, did not a single conclusion on what gender is 49 emerge directly because of the conflict; “Presently, I even began to respect him. I’m looking at facing domestic violence more often: him differently” (a woman, “The long-standing problems Kramatorsk). “Women always suffer – morally, and contradictions crop up” financially and physically” (a during the conflict (a woman, Acknowledging the absence of woman, Berdyansk); “It seems Berdyansk). correlation between the armed conflict to me, that both parties may suffer” (a man, Kramatorsk). The respondents also emphasized the in eastern Ukraine and trends of secondary nature of these domestic domestic violence, both women They agree that women suffer quarrels in front of the nation’s and men agree that domestic much more from physical problems; it is particularly clearly violence is very common in the violence; however, there are recognized by residents of the liberated Ukrainian society in general. Almost every discussion participant suggestions that men could cities of Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts: speaks about known cases of violence suffer from psychological UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

violence as well: prerequisites for domestic violence violence:

“Women probably suffer from the “Women are crying , while men “It’s not as much the tolerance physical point of view – because keep it mostly inside ... At some issue, but rather indifference men are stronger. But there point, all of this breaks down” (a ... Most people do not respond is some kind of psychological man, Berdyansk). at all. For example, while the violence ... In this sense, men entire apartment building was could be more exposed” (a man, Some participants pay attention to hearing some cries, they don’t Kramatorsk). the fact that propensity to domestic even pay attention... They will violence is laid as a result of careless not even open the door” (a man, Kramatorsk). Among the manifestations of upbringing of a child inherited as bad such psychological violence, male example of their parents or close friends; These features of the public opinion respondents mentioned “insults and it may be caused by unwillingness to largely reflect the high influence of humiliation expressed by women”, denial listen to the thoughts of others to communicate with children after traditional gender stereotypes that divorce, accusations of low earnings and “People often quarrel because prevail in the Ukrainian society. The inability to feed the family. they are trying to remake each image of a “good wife” circulating in other” (a man, Kramatorsk). the mass opinion is still related to such The debates about the possibility of features as patience, ability to find a sexual violence in a marriage did not Men are more likely to justify physical compromise, “to smooth out the rough lead to a unified position of respondents; domestic violence, in particular they edges”, “to not argue with her husband”. their assessments varied within a wide recognize husband’s right to punish his Other attributes of a good wife include range regardless of gender or age: wife in case of “cheating, inconsistency life wisdom, humility, desire to support to a status of a good wife, neglect and guide her husband (“a man is the “For example, I do not consider of children” (a man, Dnipropetrovsk head, and a woman is the neck”), ability it a rape ... in fact, it’s the duty region). to be a good hostess. of a wife” (a woman, 61 y.o., Berdyansk); “It is definitely a Women mostly do not recognize The participants of discussions rape – psychologically and such rights of men, but their views on recognize that generally physically” (a man, Kramatorsk). obedience to their husbands differ. The women more often face attributes of patriarchal culture are more unequal treatment in the Among the risk factors prevalent among older women who Ukrainian society. of domestic violence, the agree that “a good wife should obey her respondents indicated Among the main manifestations of such husband in everything”. the economic crisis, prejudice are complications in finding unemployment and scarcity of a job and discrimination at the labour money: The statements of panellists confirmed high tolerance market: “No work. Not enough money. to domestic violence in the Ukrainian society. “If you are trying to get a Naturally, people are angry at job... they look at your age – each other ... Of course, family if you are young, they think The respondents, both men and women, relationships also get worse” (a like: “Hmmm, she will take a demonstrated a unanimous opinion woman, Severodonetsk). maternity leave” (a woman, that outsiders should not interfere in Berdyansk); “If a woman has They also agree in foreseeing the spousal quarrels (“It’s their family, let a small child, then she would increased risk of conflicts in families them get outs of it themselves. They often take sick leaves; they do given further deterioration of the are in a quarrel today, they will reconcile not hire such women” (a woman, population’s living standards: tomorrow”; “If you’re entering someone Izyum), 48 else’s family, then later you will be 49 “I think that conflicts and looked askance at”, “If you broke in, as well as economic vulnerability of scandals will increase in families, they will reconcile later and you will women, and unequal distribution of as new bills for gas are arriving” be sure to blame”); such interruptions household duties: (a man, Kramatorsk). are accepted only in cases of extreme physical violence which can lead to “Men are exempt of duties However, the main factors of intimate which could be divided serious, irreparable consequences partner violence are related to alcohol equally in a family” (a woman, (“Depending on the severity of violence abuse (“The main reason, of course, Dnipropetrovsk region). – if it can hurt health and safety – then is alcohol” (a man, Dnipropetrovsk yes. If it makes a danger for the life”). region)), morbid spousal jealousy The perception of domestic violence as and disputes over child’s upbringing. a normal phenomenon determines some The respondents also draw attention indifference to the particular facts of to some deeper, psychological UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

3.2. ACCESS TO SERVICES OF GBV SURVIVORS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEVEL

PUBLIC ATTITUDES TO GBV SURVIVORS APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE. AWARENESS OF SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR GBV SURVIVORS.

Discussions about the current system to asking”, “Why wash dirty linen of illegitimate attitude to survivors of services for GBV survivors revealed in public?” (women, Berdyansk). and non-compliance with basic ethical that respondents do have a general norms: idea of specialized services required The respondents noted that it is the to provide adequate support. Their society that often condemns when a “Well, my friend was raped; she first associations are related to the survivor of domestic violence seeks went to the police immediately law enforcement bodies (the police, help from law enforcement authorities: and wanted to report it. They mocked over her, so she turned prosecutors, state security service) and away and left in tears” (a healthcare institutions. However, as “People look askance at them”, “They are treated with woman, Kramatorsk). discussions pass through, there were contempt”, “Some people even many conflicting opinions indicating a mock such women” (women, The respondents’ attitude to the certain level of respondents’ confusion, Berdyansk); it is considered healthcare sector is more tolerant. non-confidence in the need to seek extremely undesirable to They agree that survivors will receive help and availability of relevant services. provide wide publicity of emergency aid in case of a need, but domestic violence because they note that “you will not be treated The most sceptical assessments people immediately “begin to free of charge”. The panellists express were expresses towards the law discuss the situation that has concerns about the availability of basic enforcement bodies, both in terms of arisen, each considers himself a health services in the conflict-affected prevention activities, and regarding the psychologist, an investigator”. As a result, it is the survivor who regions, as emergency aid cannot reach prosecution of perpetrators: is blamed by people: “Finally all areas at the moment. The panellists they say that it’s her fault” agreed that survivors seek medical “The police do not react to (women, Kramatorsk). assistance only in the extreme cases, anything... They withdrew a long time ago” (a woman, when there is an imminent threat to Severodonetsk); “The police In the public opinion, there is their lives or some risk of irreparable does not investigate cases of no opportunity to save a good harm, because they are afraid of sexual violence. They say - yes, family in case of survivor’s publicity and judgmental attitudes in we will investigate, but no one application to the police; such the society (“there is no confidentiality would punish the perpetrator an application will ultimately of services”). later” (a woman, Izyum); “They break up marital relations: take actions when something The respondents’ assessments of the has already happened. No one “You can go to the police and availability of social, psychological and does prevention efforts...When leave your family, but it is you have wounds and bruises impossible to go to the police legal services for GBV survivors are you should go and register all of and stay in a family” (a woman, controversial. The panellists are mostly them. Then we’ll do something Severodonetsk). not aware about specific organizations about it” (a woman, Berdyansk). in their communities and types of 50 Another important problem is found assistance they can provide: 51 The respondents argue that in the reluctance of witnesses to the law enforcement agencies testify in the courts for fear of possible “I have not come across are trying not to interfere in complications, mistrust in transparency any information that we have a centre working with situations related to domestic and impartiality of investigations psychological rehabilitation”; violence: (“people do not help, because they “There are no announcements are afraid of consequences”; “instead “They say – it’s your family of such an organization, neither of being a witness, you can become business” (a man, Berdyansk). in the media nor on billboards. a culprit yourself”). The respondents The effectiveness of the law There are no organizations enforcement response to also spoke about the lack of skilled promoting their experience in domestic violence is restrained experts in the law enforcement bodies dealing with such problems” also by the absence of a usual who would have the basic skills of (men, Berdyansk). People from practice of asking for help in emergency psychological aid to GBV local communities provide a rather categorical assessment of communities: “We are not used survivors, mentioned some situations the efficiency of social services: UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

“There are social services, but to people in situations of psychological At large, GBV survivors remain alone they do not work” (a man, stress and difficult circumstances: with their feelings and problems in most Kramatorsk). cases. Women who have a personal “The church is a free experience of domestic violence According to the respondents, psychological rehabilitation remember their feeling of complete GBV survivors most often centre” (a woman, Berdyansk). hopelessness: ask their close relatives and friends for help: However, an increase of “I could not go to my mother, expectations from the media I could not tell her about “Most often, they ask close should be noted, as the media anything. I could not go to my persons for support. Those who are perceived as significant mother-in-law because she did they can trust”, “They refer to (and sometimes the only) not accept me. I had nowhere to those who are more trusted. instrument to influence the go at all ... I just wanted to run As shown by practice, the activity of public bodies: out into the woods and scream. authorities are doing nothing” And I wanted to take my child (men, Dnipropetrovsk region). “The police work only if somewhere, but where?.. I had journalists are involved. We call nowhere to go. I suffered all this They pay attention to the role of church the TV, if needed”(a woman, time, until my son had grown” (a and religion in providing moral support Dnipropetrovsk region). woman, Kramatorsk).

ASSESSMENT OF THE NEEDS FOR SERVICES FOR GBV SURVIVORS IN COMMUNITIES. PUBLIC OPINIONS ON POLICIES TO COMBAT AND PREVENT GBV.

During the discussions, the “The credibility of the police is beaten, with a child, at night, respondents highlighted some gaps in should be enhanced. If they nobody takes care. Where the national legislation related to GBV. are really afraid of being found women can go and spend some In particular, they mentioned a need to out and punished, there will be time to resolve the situation? strengthen criminal liability for violent less violence. Now they can do There are no such services” (a whatever they want, no one woman, Kramatorsk). offences: is looking for them” (a man, Kramatorsk). “If the abuser does not know They emphasize the need to develop that he will be punished, he a network of crisis centres for GBV will continue to rape” (a man, They mention the indispensable victims not only in large cities, but Kramatorsk), conditions of changes: to provide also in small towns, at the level of complete reforming of these districts and local communities. ineffectiveness of administrative structures, to renew the personnel During the discussions about GBV sanctions applied to perpetrators and to change general approaches crisis centres, the respondents of domestic violence, unlawful to work and interaction with public. express recommendations to ensure application of financial penalties to A lot of expectations are related to the availability of doctors, lawyers, the domestic aggressor, because the new police patrol enjoying a high human rights activists, experts they affected the well-being of the level of public trust. The respondents providing social and psychological entire family. Certain provisions of suggest that these services will not services within the permanent staff the existing legislation were called only respond promptly to the facts of (“A psychologist should be available “illogical”, as these provisions could GBV in and outside the family, but also there, because it is stressful for a create considerable inconvenience carry out some preventive work and woman”). Women mentioned the need to victims. The respondents noted a ensure the adequate public safety in to enable temporary accommodation need to enhance the legal awareness the streets: in these centres, including appropriate of citizens that will enable not only the conditions to stay with children 50 protection of the rights of survivors, “I have a lot of hopes in relation (“A rehabilitation centre should be 51 to our new police ... That it will but also preventing the crimes: created, providing housing, as well work appropriately, deal with prevention of criminal offenses as child’s stuff”). It is important “We need more information on in this area ... That, at least, to provide financial accessibility legislation to know that if you the trained people will come, of the service; the majority of the commit violence, you will be with new approaches” (a man, respondents argue that the service punished by the law” (a man, Berdyansk). should be provided free of charge: Kramatorsk).

Participants of the focus group “I might attend a psychologist, Among the priority actions, the discussions pay attention to the but it’s too expensive” (a panellists mentioned strengthening absence of temporary shelters for woman, Berdyansk). the effectiveness of the law women surviving domestic violence: enforcement agencies to prevent and The community people are well aware solve crimes: “As to domestic violence... She of the need for public funding of UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

such organizations (“Until there is no little attention is paid to the issues of stigmatization and creating governmental funding, the structure GBV in the mass media (“there are non-judgmental attitudes will not work”), the need to develop no talks about violence neither on towards them in the society: some targeted social programs at TV, not on radio”). But they believe the national and local levels. It is the that the media should disseminate “The best psychological primary responsibility of the state information on the hotlines and support can be found in a and public institutions to develop organizations providing assistance different model of public attitude towards the victims. and implement the efforts on GBV to survivors. Among other possible Some kind of programs on preventing and combating; however, a tools of influence, they mention television and radio are need to involve the representatives of introducing certain controls over the required at the national level NGOs and associations of volunteers content of information on the Internet explaining why women or is also emphasized: “The church can as some provocative materials can be girls are afraid to contact the do a lot”. found there often, which may affect police, why they are afraid the personalities of adolescents and of public opinion, rumours of Among efficient instruments of young people, their behaviour and neighbours, work colleagues... assistance, special women’s support values. It is necessary to educate the groups are mentioned (“Groups of society, i.e. to explain that survivors of violence have to self-support, mutual support, such as Respondents noted the be supported. There is nothing high importance of family support groups for people with some wrong about it, as everyone diseases… Such groups can be useful and school education could become a victim of for survivors of violence”, because as components of the violence. The attitude should “If a girl experienced a rape attempt, comprehensive education and not be changed in case of GBV; she will support another girl… just by awareness raising campaigns in contrast, people should telling where to call, whom apply to”. to prevent gender-based become even more caring violence (men, Kramatorsk towards a survivor” (a man, Community representatives town). Kramatorsk). mentioned the need for further They shared the useful experience of development of information policies school courses on sexual education, that promote public awareness on the ethics and psychology of family life, existing services for GBV survivors, involving students in understanding on types of services for which they behavioural patterns of marital can apply. Such information should relations. be available to the whole population and actively promoted in public places Discussion participants also and in the media, provided by public highlighted the need to develop services on demand. Some possible the skills of safe and responsible information materials include behaviour among young people, “distribution of booklets, so to clarify the risks and possible people somehow knew how consequences of non-compliance with to behave in such situations”, basic safety rules: “city guides” (women, Berdyansk), “on the Internet, “In my opinion, it is more this information should important to train women and emerge in the first place” (men, girls not to find themselves in Dnepropetrovsk region), such a situation where they can be raped or attacked ... – not billboards, newspapers, TV programs. to go late at night, not to stay The idea to support the information alone ... They must realize what kind of a company they join, so hotlines is particularly popular among 52 that they are able to prevent 53 participants, violence against themselves” (a man, Kramatorsk). “so that you can call at any time” (Berdyansk town); Finally, the panellists agreed that the most it is important that personnel of the effective approach to hotline would guarantee a complete solving the problem of GBV confidentiality of appeals and effectively assisting survivors is transformation (“a complete privacy should of established stereotypical be provided” (a woman, attitudes towards the Dnipropetrovsk region)). survivors, elimination of their victimization and According to their opinion, quite UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE SECTION 4. SITUATION ANALYSIS OF GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE IN THE CONFLICT- AFFECTED REGIONS: KEY FINDINGS OF IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH EXPERTS

The situation analysis was based on in-depth interviews oblast), Zaporizhzhya, Dniprorudne and Vasylivka with regional experts working in the field of GBV (Zaporizhzhya oblast), Lysychansk (Lugansk oblast), prevention. The topics of interview covered assessment Kharkiv and Chuguyev (Kharkiv oblast), Dnipropetrovsk of the current trends in GBV in the study regions and Pavlograd (Dnipropetrivsk oblast). In total, 52 and identification of some general gaps in the public experts were interviewed, including 10 representatives of policies on GBV, as well as specific questions targeted at local authorities, 7 representatives of law enforcement experts from various institutional sectors, including local bodies, 9 medical workers, 10 experts from social service authorities, healthcare, law enforcement, justice, NGOs providers, 6 experts from the sector of justice and 10 and social service providers. In-depth interviews were representatives of NGOs. The list of interviewed experts is conducted in five regions of Ukraine: Mariupol (Donetsk presented in Annex H.

OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH GBV IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS

The majority of interviewed experts services. A wider spectrum of GBV assistance long after the incident. deal with domestic violence, in forms and types, including sexual For example, one of the experts told particular its psychological, physical violence, are directly dealt with by about a young woman who applied and economic forms, in accordance representatives of the law enforcement for psychological support after she with their professional duties. and justice, as they are involved was raped by her father 14 years ago Practically all experts reported that into investigation of sex-related (psychologist of the socio-medical and they were actually working on this criminal offenses, health professionals psychological support unit of a youth- 52 issue; some of them did not overlap and experts of non-governmental friendly clinic in Pavlograd). 53 with other types of violence in their organizations providing assistance to work at all. For example, employees survivors. Women mostly come to service of the Centres of Social Services for providers with other issues (e.g. for Family, Children and Youth (CSSFCY) According to the experts, women medical or social support, assistance are dealing with manifestations of constitute the majority of victims in housing or legal issues); they can domestic violence only, as their main (about 80-90% of total survivors); talk about situations of violence in functions are providing assistance however, they argue that most private conversations. According to to families in difficult circumstances survivors of violence do not seek any the experts, the reasons for silence and families with children. The help and are not ready to share their are associated with the mentality of representatives of local authorities problem with anyone, in particular Ukrainian women who often justify usually collect information and provide with regard to sexual violence. There violence as a social norm referrals of specific cases to the proper are stories of rape victims seeking UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

(“The morality “he is beating “Our society is very archaic, in families with unemployed members me, so he is loving me” is so we confront the situations (one or both spouses). The experts very common [in Ukraine]” where successful women confirmed that men also suffer from (a representative of local are subjected to violence GBV, but their numbers are rather authorities in Lysychansk)); and they do not disclose it” small, while public perception of (a representative of NGO, “masculinity” prevent them from they are afraid of publicity and Mariupol). becoming stigmatized, have low complains because of possible blaming awareness of the available services In the opinion of respondents, and stigmatizing in the community and see no sense in applying for these groups of women are more (a policeman, Zaporizhzhya; a assistance. The experts also emphasize inclined to conceal such problems (a representative of the CSSFCY, that women often do not trust the law representative of NGO, Kharkiv Kharkiv). enforcement bodies and do not expect city), but they are also able to “get out any positive results from such appeals: of a difficult situation” by themselves. With regard to sexual violence, the Unlike low-income women, wealthy experts do not have a consensus as “Women do not apply, and women can purchase or rent another well; they highlight that any woman they are doing right. Our apartment and become separated from could become a survivor of sexual legislation is very imperfect...” the perpetrator (a representative of violence, but the reported situations (a representative of NGO, NGO, Zaporizhzhya). indicate that young women (aged survivor of domestic violence, 20-25) are more vulnerable. Among Lysychansk). The expert assessments of vulnerability the risk factors, the experts mentioned But some respondents noted an of particular categories of women the night time, staying alone, alcoholic increase in filed official complaints are different: most of them cannot intoxication of women, availability related to GBV after targeted identify any age-specific characteristics of entertainment centres nearby information and education campaigns of survivors making them more (a police officer, Dniprorudne). in the regions. vulnerable. There were opinions that Interestingly, psychologists also point young women suffer from domestic out the seasonal dependencies in The experts refute the thesis that violence more often (because of GBV intensity: in particular, spring mostly low-income and low-educated their being non-experienced), while and autumn are characterized by women are exposed to domestic elderly women could face violence by the increased number of appeals violence, providing examples of sons because of their helplessness. caused by GBV, as well as holidays (a representatives of wealthy populations Violence most often occurs in families psychologist, Zaporizhzhya city). facing such situations as well: where alcohol abuse is common, and

DETERMINANTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

As to determinants of GBV, the experts a consequence, in domestic or her attacker; they are authorized interviewed mentioned the poor violence” (a psychologist, only to detain aggressors for no economic situation and poverty leading Zaporizhzhya oblast). more than 3 hours to proceed with to despair, when people start to abuse a protocol (representatives of law alcohol and cannot control themselves Representatives of the law enforcement bodies in Kharkiv and enforcement pay attention to the in violent behaviour: Zaporizhzhya). recent changes in sentencing for crime offences related to domestic violence; “Men mostly are fighting and The experts also mentioned some according to the experts, instead of drinking” (a representative of institutional failings constraining the NGO, Mariupol). tightening, the new rules have rather efficiency of GBV prevention. Until eased the administrative liability for recently, the courts usually made 54 One of psychologists mentioned that domestic perpetrators. Police officers 55 decisions on penalties in the form of highlighted that police inspectors a minimum fine (UAH 51 or roughly “domestic gender-based or heads of department were able $2), that obviously did not motivate violence is just a consequence. to make a decision on the penalties perpetrators to change the models The state pays no attention to imposed for administrative violations its determinants. When there before these changes; they also could of behaviour. Also, such fines were is nothing to feed the children, assign administrative detentions at usually paid by the aggressor’s wife a woman nags her husband, the moment of the first application. (the survivor of the violence) from and a husband is feeling the family budget. Presently, the flawed and can abuse his wife. Presently, policemen can draw up a fines are cancelled and replaced with Social housing has not been report, issue an official warning or put constructed for a long time, a perpetrator on the record. Having community works and administrative so, when several generations no permission of the household arrest; in the experts’ opinion, these live in the same dwelling, it head, policemen have no rights to measures cannot be effective as can result in conflicts and, as enter the room, to pick up a victim punishment as well. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

At any stage of investigation and women usually receive the needed A separate problem is the excessive prosecution, a survivor has the right to support, but if they are not secured complexity of administrative abandon the charges, which entails the by economic factors (could not find procedures. The law enforcement termination of criminal proceedings. a job, rent a separate housing etc.), agencies must forward information According to representatives of the 80% of women return home to their on a GBV survivor to the local social law enforcement, situations where aggressors, and everything starts over protection departments within three survivors withdraw their charges as a again (a representative of NGO, days. Social protection authorities result of financial compensation from Zaporizhzhya). must review the case and refer the the offender are rather wide-spread; survivor to get the required service about three quarters of women make “The severity of a criminal during ten days. However, in reality an official counterstatement requesting offense is determined by the the information is often delayed in the withdrawal of the original statement severity of injuries which are the law enforcement agencies and in assessed by medical experts, (representatives of the law the social protection departments; and the length of treatment. enforcement bodies from Kharkiv, If the treatment lasts 21 days sometimes, the materials reach social Dniprorudne, Lysychansk). or more, that is the indicator services when the situation is out of of a serious injury. Women control and needs no intervention In general, the experts believe that cannot stay for so long in (employees of CSSFCY in Kharkiv problems of GBV have a “chronic” medical institutions because of and Zaporizhzhya). character in the Ukraine’s society. The family reasons, so they refuse repeated appeals for violence are often hospitalization ... there is no one circulating in the so-called “vicious to care for children, and house” (a prosecutor, Zaporizhzhya). circle”. In other words, when applying to a psychologist or social worker,

THE IMPACT OF THE CONFLICT IN DONETSK AND LUGANSK OBLASTS ON THE PREVALENCE OF GBV IN THE REGIONS

In the Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk an increase in crime rates has been reference to the medical staff, she regions, most experts have not observed: criminal offenders were far provided information about 1.5 thousand associated the changes in GBV from thinking that they can be punished rapes in the region; however, none of prevalence rates with the impact of by someone in the early and mid-2014. these cases were reinforced by official the conflict. They mentioned that the “A splash of violence was seen confirmation. The NGO representative registered number of criminal offenses clearly: robberies and theft…. claimed that such incidents were has not changed significantly since the and increased number of rapes. forbidden to be registered, while ATO beginning (representatives of In fact, no one knows the exact victims were referred to other medical public institutions in Zaporizhzhya, number... A few people could departments (such as surgical and Dnipropetrovsk oblast). In contrast, refuse a man with a gun in his therapeutic units). The survivors were some of them emphasized that stressful hands” (a prosecutor, Lysychansk). scared and not willing to communicate. situations consolidate people and make According to experts, the current Similar situations were confirmed by families stronger (a representative criminal situation has stabilized in the a gynecologist who helped women of social service provider, Kharkiv). region, as some marginal population from Donbas who survived acts of They also haven’t traced any links with groups mostly stay on the other side of sexual violence perpetrated by “men the influx of displaced people, but some the demarcation line. in uniform”, but did not report these experts pointed out psychological non- incidents to the police or other services acceptance of IDPs in local communities Regarding the conflict’s impact, the (an obstetrician-gynecologist, (a representative of CSSFCY, interviewed medical workers confirmed Kharkiv). Kharkiv). some non-registered cases of sexual 54 violence against girls and women arriving Medical experts reported cases where 55 Some psychologists and police officers from the ATO area. Such cases were women had visible signs of beating noted a decrease in the number of often identified at times of confidential and injuries of reproductive organs appeals related to GBV in the regions conversation with gynecologists, but refused to report on the causes of bordering the ATO area. In their when displaced women were talking these injuries. However, some health view, some aggressors could try not about incidents of rapes committed by care workers stressed that they are not to provoke the attention of the law “men in uniform” (an obstetrician- obliged to identify the circumstances enforcement at this time, perhaps due to gynecologist, Kharkiv). of injuries, their function is to provide fears of possible military mobilization (a the necessary medical care22. Doctors NGO representative, Zaporizhzhya). A representative of an NGO in Lugansk of public clinics emphasized that they oblast reported on a spate of rapes don’t have enough time to identify the In Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts, observed a few months ago. With

22 In the case of sexual violence, there is a protocol of the urgent medical aid for women which provides a list of tests and risks, and is used for recommendations. In particular, women are informed about possible emergency contraception and medicines that can prevent unwanted pregnancy within 72/96 hours. For pregnant women surviving sexual violence, a procedure for interrupting unwanted pregnancies is suggested. If the pregnancy term is less than 6 weeks, medical abortions are done, if the term is more than 6 weeks – the surgery is applied (a gynecologist, Chuhuiv). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

causes of injuries even if they would centres with their laboratories stay in providers, Kharkiv). like to. The standards of gynecological the NGCAs (for example, there are only After experiencing extreme situations, services have not changed since the 14 of 28 laboratories functioning in the men can aggressively take any refusal middle of the last century; the normal GCAs of Donetsk oblast); the experts or denial, believing that other people length for a woman’s examination is have to send the relevant materials to who have not been in similar situations 12 minutes (20 minutes for pregnant laboratories situated in Dnipropetrovsk have to perform any of their whims (a women), and includes the entire range oblast (a forensic expert, Mariupol). prosecutor, Zaporizhzhya). of services: medical history, examination, However, the experts also stressed that biopsy testing, filling documents The experts have already noted some there are rare cases of false information (an obstetrician-gynecologist, single situations of GBV in the families of on rapes as women try to manipulate Zaporizhzhya). demobilized soldiers (local authorities, men for some material purposes. There Zaporizhzhya). The interviewed medical Medical professionals emphasize that are also cases of false information on workers confirmed that they had been they can only advise survivors to sexual violence coming from the Donbas treating women with signs of physical contact the police or make a forensic girls: violence who privately complained of examination; they don’t monitor the “Parents of a young girls beatings by husbands who had returned future progress of patients afterwards. contacted the police with from the ATO area (an obstetrician- All doctors interviewed highlighted the complaints that she was raped gynecologist, Zaporizhzhya). fact that they do not have the right by soldiers of the Azov battalion; to report their suspicions to the law it turned out that she was with At the same time, women are also not enforcement agencies without the her friends ... and had not slept always ready for the return of their “new” consent of the patient, but they have at home ...” (a representative of men with such psychological disorders, to indicate visual observations in their NGO, Mariupol). so the frequency of conflicts is increasing medical files. Among the problems the The experts cited some other examples in families. The experts interviewed are experts noted was the unavailability of manipulation with sexual violence unanimous that the demobilized military of psychological support in women’s during the conflict. Once a female soldier personnel need social adaptation and clinics for patients, and for doctors who of the “Tornado” battalion reported crisis counselling; but they emphasize burnout due to emotional stress. being raped by a fellow soldier. During that there is no such experience and training at the current social service In general, the experts stressed that the the investigation, it became clear that providers (a representative of procedure for evidencing sex-related the man was falsely accused in order CSSFCY, Kharkiv). criminal offense is very complicated. to conceal another crime that took Guilt could be proved if a victim reports place in the military unit (a prosecutor, to the police immediately and is able Lysychansk). to present evidence (to take tests and However, according to the experts, a certify the injuries). If some time has notable increase in GBV is expected in passed, the effectiveness of such a 1-2 years, due to the psychological state report would be very low (a prosecutor, of demobilized soldiers returning to Lysychansk). In this regard, there is their families. According to the experts, an urgent problem with conducting people who survived the fighting will not forensic examination23 in Donetsk and be the same as before, they are going Lugansk oblasts, as many forensic to reassess the values (social service

EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS IN THE FIELD OF GBV PREVENTION

ACCESS TO SERVICES The experts emphasize that there is is the association of psychologists and only a national level 24-hour “hotline” psychiatrists). 56 on GBV issues. At the regional level, 57 some hotlines are available at social There are practically no safe shelters service centres and NGOs, but for women surviving GBV; for many they operate only during working years, there has been no crisis centre hours. The 24-hour support for GBV in Kharkiv oblast (there are only five survivors is missing at the oblast other regions with no crisis centres level. According to the experts, public in Ukraine); obviously, the absence institutions also do not provide of shelters limits the effectiveness of emergency psychological support; it providing protection to survivors (a can be obtained only from some non- social service provider, Kharkiv). governmental organizations (such as NGO “Interaction” in Zaporizhzhya, that The experts from Kharkiv oblast noted

23 The procedure for medical examination of survivors of sexual violence is carried out only by forensic experts based on the prescription from the law enforcement. The task of the forensic expert is to determine the severity of injuries to initiate criminal proceedings. UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

that there are no NGOs working with A positive sign is seen by the experts in women’s support groups and self- the creation of secondary legal support support groups for survivors of GBV outlets providing advice and assistance (a representative of CSSFCY, Kharkiv). to the vulnerable people. The regional NGOs are mainly engaged into providing information services Safety planning for witnesses and and individual support to survivors. survivors is also non-developed (there In general, there are no NGOs dealing is no funding, the programs are not with GBV in many small towns and operating); people refuse to testify in district centres of Ukraine (Lysychansk, courts and try to conceal the facts of Chuhuiv, Vasilevka, Dniprorudne), not violence (a prosecutor, Lysychansk). to mention rural areas.

CONFIDENTIALITY All experts confirmed that they adhere to confidentiality guidelines following the Law of Ukraine “On Personal Data Protection”.

KEEPING RECORDS / The experts interviewed reported that registered cases and official DATA MANAGEMENT there are special ways for reporting warnings) or as a separate indicator cases of GBV – either through special in an aggregated table. All involved documents (e.g. Form 1-HC “Report organizations collect some pieces on the situation with combating of information on GBV, but there is domestic violence” that indicates no unified database accessible to all the registered appeals, protocols, involved agencies.

COORDINATION The experts from Zaporizhzhya and Representatives of CSSFCYs reported Dnipropetrovsk oblasts emphasized that even knowing about cases the cohesive work of the law of violence, they cannot respond enforcement agencies, CSSFCYs, the adequately: local authorities and some NGOs (such “Until there is a criminal as NGO “Interaction” in Zaporizhzhya proceeding initiated, the police oblast) in the regions. There are does not provide the information memoranda on cooperation between on such situations. The facts organizations involved in activities on can be revealed at the time of combating GBV. inspection of a family, we can get information from neighbours or teachers. However, until this At the time of the study, there was no appeal has not gone through the established cooperation between the procedure in the departments, law enforcement agencies and centres we have no right to interfere” of social services in Kharkiv oblast (a (a representative of CSSFCY, representative of CSSFCY, Kharkiv); Kharkiv). social workers were also dissatisfied with the work of the law enforcement: The system of coordination and 56 cooperation is not working in Donbas 57 due to political instability; there are “Representatives of the no crisis programs, no coordination of law enforcement do not experts in the regions: pay attention to appeals regarding domestic violence, “Presently, the authorities they don’t possess the skills consciously are not working of primary counselling like well in Lysychansk, to show the the social services... there is negative side of Kyiv authorities, no information exchange” (a of Ukraine’s authorities...” representative of CSSFCY, (a representative of Military Mariupol); “The police try not to and Civil Administration in interfere ... they say, this is your Lysychansk). “The war has left business, you will deal with it its marks, so you need to start by yourself” (a representative of it all over again” (a police officer, CSSFCY, Kharkiv). Lysychansk). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

AWARENESS RATE AND The experts from public institutions due to the difficult situation in their OPPORTUNITIES OF TRAINING reported regular trainings, seminars, regions. FOR EXPERTS IN GBV information programs on GBV PREVENTION prevention and counteraction. Medical The representatives of CSSFCYs workers spoke about PAC courses – informed that there are psychologists the pre-accreditation cycles carried out available who have the proper training once a year to improve qualifications; to support GBV survivors, including in the framework of these cycles survivors of sexual violence, at the information on supporting GBV centres. However, the representatives survivors is also provided (a doctor, of NGOs stressed that they lack Chuhuiv). training and professional development programs, they are not invited as However, the experts from Donetsk and listeners to such trainings and have to Lugansk oblasts indicated that they seek any information by themselves (a hadn’t had any training or retraining NGO representative, Zaporizhzhya).

STAFFING The representatives of all public tasks, they need to conduct field institutions complained of the lack of trips, which is very difficult given skilled specialists; they also mentioned the lack of transport and sufficient low wages of public servants as number of specialists. In rural areas, a problem preventing the care there are practically no social services providers from retaining qualified (representatives of CSSFCY in workforce. For example, a number Zaporizhia, Kharkiv, Pavlograd, of agencies at the district level are Chuhuiv). staffed with specialists only by one third of the need (including the law The experts also emphasize the enforcement agencies, departments lack of staff with proper training, of social protection, centres of social in particular at the district level, services). The representatives of all the lack of psychologists, social CSSFCYs reported the staffing is just workers etc. (Pavlograd, Chuhuiv, catastrophic after the elimination of Dnipropetrovsk). After the liquidation the institution of social work specialists, of departments of family and children, while the workload has increased and their functions were transferred to the experts have no time to cover the other departments, and the experts do entire range of issues and provide not always have appropriate education comprehensive services to all people and experience, they have to study the in need. In addition to the “ministerial” problems on their own.

ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS FOR IMPROVING THE GBV POLICIES

58 In spite of involvement of the young people into adulthood. other respondents argue that such 59 interviewed experts into various penalty is not sufficient to prevent and institutional sectors, all of them Most respondents agree on the combat GBV: emphasize the common objectives need to strengthen the penalties for and priorities to be taken into account offenders of violence. The experts “Correctional programs do when developing the policies to believe that the new CPC is quite not operate in rural areas prevent and combat GBV. Most humane. They noted, if there were at all, the state does not finance the programs... The of them stressed that Ukraine has penalties that would sentence at least penalty was abolished, leaving one year of conditional imprisonment, not developed the institution of only the public works and psychological support, there is no “they would have behaved differently”. administrative detention, which culture of applying to psychologists in Some experts regard that introduction do not solve the problem” (a difficult situations, there is no proper of community works would have lawyer, representative of NGO, system of education and training of a positive impact on rapists, while Dnipropetrovsk). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

The respondents also noted the lack back in just 2 hours in response to the Hence it is proposed to route GBV of services to implement correctional repeated call (a law enforcement case information flow from the law programs; there are no trained officer, Lysychansk). enforcement agencies to both the professionals, while offenders are departments of social protection and reluctant to attend such programs, and Ukraine has a practice of withdrawing centres of social services. there are no compulsory instruments women and children from their of their rehabilitation. To raise the households in case of domestic The ban on placing social efficiency of support in the crisis violence. Despite the fact that women advertisement on outdoor carriers centres, the work with aggressors are the victims and suffer, it is exactly without the consent of local authorities should be conducted in the presence them who have to change their makes reaching out with public of police officers (a representative usual way of life, transfer children to information more cumbersome. of CSSFCY, Mariupol). Moreover, another school, sacrifice their work Moreover, as nearly all street billboards the experts stressed the gaps in sometimes, while the abusers just stay and “city light” ad installations are the regulatory framework that at home having no annoyance and privately owned, placing social ads stipulates the mandatory character enjoying even a more comfortable there would cost money. Due to of corrective programs, but does not situation. The experts declare the constrained funding, social services specify the respective authorities need to isolate abusers from survivors are not financially capable to place any responsible. The experts proposed to through the legislation. According socially important information there on assign the responsibility for making to the international experience, it the commercial basis. A solution could offenders attending such programs is advisable to create specialized be found in signing social responsibility to the law enforcement agencies centres to temporarily host male agreements between the centres of (representatives of CSSFCY, abusers and put them through a social services and advertisement Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya). compulsory correctional program carrier owners for using part of the (representatives of CSSFCY and carriers to deliver socially important “Ideally, some budgets should NGOs, Zaporizhzhya, Kharkiv). messages from time to time (free be allocated to involve of charge or at the expense of the professionals in correctional The experts stressed the need to local budgets) (a representative of programs, as psycho- enhance the public awareness on CSSFCY, Kharkiv). correction is provided by senior GBV. For this purpose, it is advisable psychologists” (a representative of CSSFCY, Zaporizhzhya). to simplify remembering important Staff of centres of social services information (e.g. GBV hotline numbers believe that the recent abolishment of The experts believe that the current should be short and easily memorable), the institution of social work specialists system makes it difficult to process to spread information through handy has become an insurmountable barrier the evidence of violence, including means in public places, so that anyone to delivering good quality social care to sexual violence. It is difficult to confirm could easily get information anywhere those in need: the fact of sexual violence, as, besides (e.g. at post offices or shops). the required forensic expertise, some Awareness creation campaigns should “Social work professionals witnesses of violence should testify be targeted at specific audiences were working in each village, to provide evidence. It is particularly (different approaches have to be they were the emergency aid” (a representative of CSSFCY, difficult to confirm sexual violence applied to parents, men and women) to Kharkiv). committed by husbands against their ensure that “men, as well as women, wives (a doctor, Chuhuiv). understand that they are protected All social services personnel stressed and can seek help, and it will not be that the abolishment of this structure In the criminal proceedings, there is seen by society as a weakness” (a had the disastrous consequences. At an opportunity of agreement between representative of CSSFCY, Kharkiv). the district level, there are no trained the survivor and the perpetrator. specialists in social work at all, There are several forms of court Another suggestion is to improve the 58 verdict commutation for a person who procedures and speed up the exchange “no money, no transportation 59 admitted the offense and cooperates of information between the authorities means, but you still must implement the programs” with the law enforcement bodies. involved: During sentencing, the preferences (representatives of CSSFCY, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya). of survivors are considered and if “If information [of violence] a survivor requires a more severe would come to the centre [of Along with that, they believe that sentence, the court takes her opinion social services], not to the the newly established bureaucratic into account (a judge, Vasylivka). The department, then the response procedures are detrimental to would be much quicker; also, new CPC prohibits detaining a suspect employees of social services centres. we are perceived not as in case of domestic violence. The officials, while the departments Replacing the previously used experts have reported a case where are taken as officials” (a inspection forms, a new reporting form inspectors once have calmed down representative of CSSFCY, “Child and family needs assessment” an aggressor but then had to come Kharkiv). was adopted, which contains a UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

lot of redundant information and enhance activity coordination and “Gender stereotypes are passed requires more time for completion; build professional links, it is necessary from an older generation in the experts’ opinion, switching to to conduct joint seminars on GBV on to a younger generation. this new form reduces the time to prevention, to invite specialists from all There is a common model of be spent working directly with the institutional sectors dealing with GBV a family: an aggressive father and an enduring mother. The families (representatives of CSSFCY, issues (representatives of CSSFCY, stereotypes get imprinted in Lysychansk, Pavlograd). Kharkiv). education: boys must fight back, while girls have to For social work professionals who daily It is also necessary to foster a culture endure... There is no training in face extremely complicated situations, of psychological support. Many terms of gender education, no there is a need for qualified supervisors people believe that they do not need educational model of a family” who can deal with professional psychological help just because “they (a lawyer, representative of burnout. A special state psychological are not sick”. Therefore, there is a need NGO, Dnipropetrovsk). service is needed to provide such to educate people about various forms services to social, medical and law of violence, their possible psychological enforcement workers facing intense sequelae and how to identify them, stress (representatives of CSSFCY, and how to apply for help from a Kharkov, Zaporizhzhya). psychologist when needed. Special programs are needed for women As already mentioned, there is an to help raise their self-esteem and urgent problem of high staff turnover understand their self-sufficiency. If a at social services. Due to low wages, woman endured the abuse once, it just many young professionals leave after provokes the abuser for more violence working for a short period of time and (a police officer, Lysychansk). look for better paid jobs; as a result, it is impossible to retain experienced The experts emphasize that people’s professionals and effectively develop behavioural models all depend on the the system of social services. To climate in families:

60 61 UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

The current national institutional environment for preventing and combating domestic violence and gender-based violence has basic components necessary to make the response mechanism functional. Also there is a legislatively determined system of objectives, conditions, activities and tools for each institutional sector involved in GBV response, as well as a system of controls by public prosecution and parliamentary monitoring in this area.

It could be argued that for many military arms throughout the years Ukraine has been failing to country, aggravated crime situation HOWEVER, THE STUDY HAS REVEALED THAT: implement a systematic approach in the regions bordering the to solving socioeconomic issues conflict zone, increased intensity • Selected procedures and that this way or another influence of migratory movements, broken response activities related domestic and gender-based violence rule of law and access to justice in to violence identification, (including low living standards, high the NGCAs, distorted ethical norms case management rates of poverty and unemployment, and values due to atrocities of war, and prevention need inefficient social protection of severed family ties due to ideological improvement; certain categories of the population, disagreements, and manifestations non-organized leisure of children of post-traumatic syndrome among • The current institutional and youth, archaic social norms etc.). the demobilized soldiers. At the model of preventing national level, an adequate and and combating violence In addition, during 2014-2015, comprehensive assessment of the requires significant Ukraine has run the completely new social risks is still lacking, no redesigning to be able new social risks imposed mostly effective response mechanisms to manage the social on IDPs, residents of the ATO have been yet developed – in area and the “grey zone” along particular, in terms of a broader use 60 consequences of the 61 antiterrorist operation the demarcation line, participants of administrative resources (e.g. (ATO). of the ATO, demobilized military coordination of civilian and military personnel and their families. At the authorities), appropriate government background of the military conflict support of the civil society initiatives in Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts, (e.g. volunteering), and timely the risks of conflicts and aggression response to the needs of specific have grown in the society. Among population groups. the main factors of such growth are changes in the usual way of life of many families, high emotional and psychological dependence of people on the situation in the ATO area, irregular circulation of unregistered UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

COMMON ISSUES: IDENTIFICATION OF DV AND GBV, APPLICATION ASSISTANCE PROBLEMS:

• a de facto narrowed mandate of field police units in • limited availability of help hotline services for survivors responding to cases of domestic violence (including at the local level; the abolishment of the institution of district police inspectors and juvenile criminal police); • “concealment” of the true causes of divorce from judicial institutions; • unwillingness of law enforcement officers to intervene in situations of domestic violence (because of its • flawed system of identifying survivors and witnesses perceived intrafamilial nature); of violence (which, inter alia, results in the rising number of cases of economic and physical violence • absence of a common practice by survivors to seek against older persons committed by their children, help of the law enforcement agencies (due to the grandchildren and other relatives). generally low credibility of national law enforcement agencies, lack of female officers to comfortably discuss the case with, failure to comply with confidentiality requirements, fears of stigmatizing in the community, NEW CHALLENGES: survivors’ attempts to save the family relations “at any cost”); 1. restrictions of rights of IDPs and other de facto populations in the conflict- • persistent risks of procedural violations due to affected areas to file statements professional incompetence of staff accepting or of domestic violence or its threat24 processing survivors’ applications and statements of (according to the existing legislation, domestic violence cases or threats; such statements can be filed only • lack of skilled experts in the law enforcement in places of permanent residence of agencies who would have basic skills of emergency survivors); psychological support to survivors and be able to refer survivors to services they need; 2. lack of an effective mechanism to protect survivors of physical, • existence of the option to withdraw filed statements economic and psychological violence of domestic or sexual violence by survivors (e.g. committed by members of the military due to psychological or economic pressure from groups. perpetrators);

COMMON ISSUES: PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF DV AND GBV SURVIVORS PROBLEMS:

• a de facto restriction of survivor’s rights by • mismanaged timely isolation of survivors from defendant’s rights25; aggressors and protection of survivor’s property;

• existence of the option to classify minor and moderate • absence of legislative norms that envisage mandatory offenses within a family as cases subject to private establishment of crisis centres at the regional level, prosecution (based on survivor’s consent); absence of procedures for regional needs assessments to guide the establishment of crisis centres; • low level of clearance of rapes if they were committed 62 by strangers; • lack of temporary shelters for women and their 63 children surviving domestic violence at the district • abuse by personnel of penitentiary institutions; level and in local communities;

• ineffectiveness of administrative sanctions imposed on • lack of social workers, psychologists and lawyers at a person who committed domestic violence; negative the local level; impact of financial penalties on family’s welfare (if offender / aggressor has no work or source of • severely underestimated normative duration of incomes); medical examination of survivors of gender-based violence26.

24 Order of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine dated 22 November 2012 No.1077 "On approval of the procedure for registration of place of residence and place of stay of individuals in Ukraine and samples of required documents". 25 Art. 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine: "A person is regarded as non-guilty in criminal offense and cannot be subjected to criminal penalty until the guilt is proved through a legal procedure and established by a court verdict". Art. 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine: "In criminal proceedings, the following issues should be proved: 1) the fact of a criminal offense (time, place, method and other circumstances of criminal offense); 2) the guilt of a suspect in criminal offense, the form of guilt, the motive and purpose of a criminal offense". 26 According to the existing regulations which have not been reviewed since the 1950s, a gynecologist is given 12 minutes to examine a woman and 20 minutes to examine a pregnant woman (including filling in medical documentation). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

• lack of correctional programs for domestic offenders, lack of qualified specialists to deliver such programs (training of such specialists is either unavailable or NEW CHALLENGES: unaffordable); 1. significant restriction of territorial • absence of administrative liability of an aggressor for and financial accessibility of medical ignoring correctional programs (most perpetrators and social services for DV and GBV attend only the first “individual” part of the program and survivors in the ATO area and along then they usually skip the second “group” training); the demarcation line, including survivors from IDP populations. • lack of consistent oversight of attendants of correctional programs by the police (law enforcement just turn aggressors in to the crisis centres for correctional programs);

• lack of public awareness (sometimes complete ignorance) of any specific service providers and types of services available to support survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in communities.

COMMON ISSUES: DV AND GBV PREVENTION

PROBLEMS: NEW CHALLENGES: • low effectiveness of prevention work of the law enforcement agencies and social services among certain marginalized population groups (most 1. lack of social adaptation importantly, among alcohol and drug abusing adults); services for ATO participants and demobilized soldiers; • lack of resources for strengthening public security in communities (e.g. installation of video surveillance 2. complete absence of communications systems); with law enforcement and social services operating in the NGCAs (e.g. • crisis of public confidence in various public institutions, to request information on IDPs who people’s orientation at resolving conflicts and might have been previously registered complicated situations on their own (by family as abusers). members, relatives and friends).

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Reducing the vulnerability risks for survivors and potential the demarcation line, ATO participants, demobilized soldiers victims could be set as the main goal when establishing and their families. institutional mechanisms of GBV response. However, 62 63 the gravity of the socioeconomic situation in Ukraine In our view, particular attention should be paid to predetermines the possibility of unpredictable growth of improving the effectiveness of preventive mechanisms and such vulnerability risks, hence the need for new approaches mechanisms of support; the latter must be supplemented to policy development in this field. by measures to overcome possible social exclusion of DV and GBV survivors. Considering the variety of actors already Along with further improvement of the national legislative involved into GBV response and new institutions that might framework, including the ratification of the Istanbul get on-board (the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, military Convention (2011)27 by the Parliament of Ukraine, it is prosecution offices, military and civil administrations, patrol advisable to upgrade the contents of selected components police), as well as the diversity of their mandates, there is a of the national GBV response machinery to better address definite need for improving coordination of their activities, the needs of the emerging target groups of the policy, especially in working with target populations and situation including IDPs, residents of the ATO areas and areas along monitoring.

27 Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CDCE № 210). UKRAINIAN CENTRE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE FOR SOCIAL REFORMS IN THE CONFLICT-AFFECTED REGIONS OF UKRAINE

The improved policies on DV and GBV should focus on both the traditional and innovative sources and channels OTHER SUGGESTED POLICY of public communications to deliver information MEASURES AND INSTRUMENTS: about institutions and services available for help. This information should be able to reach everyone and cover all service providers and vulnerable groups (including • GBV monitoring in areas of the elderly). The good practice of disseminating visual temporary residence of IDPs involving public service announcements, posters and other GBV experts and human rights printed materials (booklets, postcards, calendars organizations; etc.) should be expanded, as well as the practice of • developing integrated programs of national social campaigns and mass events on GBV resocialization of demobilized persons prevention and response. The increasing role of the mass media in shaping the public discourse should be at the regional and local levels; harnessed to reinforce the communications strategy • endorsement of standards of services and get messages delivered to every home. Of special introducing 24-hour support to GBV importance is collaboration with television and radio survivors; stations that remain the main source of information for many people, especially in rural and remote areas. • prevention work with offenders to However, it should be noted that access to the mass eradicate repeated offences; media may be limited in selected areas affected by the military conflict. • expanding the network of crisis centres and temporary shelters for Scarcity of reliable information on GBV prevalence and GBV victims at the local level in line features, inherent limitations of information sources with international standards; that collect data on the number of registered offenses, applications of survivors for various services, results • outsourcing social services to GBV of administrative or criminal proceedings and court survivors to NGOs; verdicts, willingness to make policy actions grounded on solid evidence altogether testify for the need to establish • improving DV and GBV information and operationalize an integrated inter-agency database management systems; to manage and share comprehensive information on GBV cases. Such an instrument would facilitate the • popularizing education about human efficient information exchange, timely and well-targeted rights and ways to protect them; referrals for survivors, monitoring of the provided services, analysis of GBV features and trends, as well • fostering special peer support groups as evaluation of the entire GBV response policy at the for women surviving violence; outcome level.

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As a strategic priority, UNFPA has committed to scale up humanitarian action and enhance organizational capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in emergencies. UNFPA works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in humanitarian settings by drawing upon its global expertise in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, pre-natal care, its work to address the specific needs and concerns of young people and its efforts to help women and girls maintain their health and dignity. As co-lead of the GBV Area of Responsibility of the Global Protection Cluster, UNFPA is responsible for working with national authorities and other humanitarian actors to coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to GBV in emergencies. With regard to data during emergencies, UNFPA works closely with humanitarian organizations and national statistical organizations in facilitating the safe and ethical collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of reliable data and information.

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND COUNTRY OFFICE IN UKRAINE www.unfpa.org.ua [email protected]