Ukraine's battle against gender-based violence, including domestic violence, has received generous support from the Government of France. This has enabled the expansion of pilot programmes in the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Research conducted in these regions reveals that specialized police units and mobile groups focused on GBV response significantly enhance the quality of services provided to GBV survivors. This improvement, observed through both professional assessments of specialized services and the personal experiences of survivors, has notably increased trust in the police.

A police officer from Dnipro highlighted the current nationwide challenges: "Overall, there is a lack of specialized units, so patrol police are compelled to handle the calls. They arrive, conduct a routine inquiry, but there's a need to delve deeper into each situation."

These specialized units in the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions are addressing this gap. Their focus extends beyond immediate response to establishing robust partnerships with GBV service providers. With enhanced training and resources, these groups consistently implement risk assessment strategies, develop comprehensive safety plans, and connect survivors with essential support services.

Thanks to the previous funding provided by the Government of France, UNFPA has been able to support the National Police, including equipment such as body cameras, tablets, and vehicles, empowers police officers to respond more swiftly and effectively, especially in the absence of electricity.

"The support to police officers encourages them to perform their duties well. We can move to any location more efficiently and more quickly, and provide direct assistance when it is needed, rather than getting there on our own," notes a police officer from the Sumy region.

The need for such services remains pressing. In 2023, police recorded over 290,000 cases of domestic violence, a 17% increase from the previous year. Projections indicate a further rise of approximately 30% in 2024, highlighting the urgency of expanding GBV response efforts.

UNFPA Representative in Ukraine, Massimo Diana, expressed gratitude for France's continued support: "The efforts of the police are commendable, and thanks to the support of France specialised police units are better positioned to provide quality and timely support to GBV survivors."

Ambassador of the French Republic to Ukraine, Gael Veyssiere, affirmed France's commitment: "The French Government is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against gender-based violence. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from violence, and we will continue to work with our partners to make this a reality."

This collaboration of UNFPA and the French government will enable Ukraine with resources needed to ensure that every survivor receives the timely, specialized support they deserve.