On 25 November 2021, at 3:00 p.m., the social campaign The Thing is 2.0 was presented on the Sportyvna Square in Kyiv as part of the World Campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Violence.
The event is aimed at raising awareness of Ukrainians in combating domestic violence and instilling intolerance to any manifestations of violence.
The presentation was initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs under the auspices of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska and with the support of international partners.
Ordinary things like kitchen utensils, toys, household items can become tools of domestic violence.
Famous Ukrainians, including TV presenters, actors, musicians and athletes, told real survivors’ stories behind these items.
Watch them in these PSAs: https://richutim2021.rozirvykolo.org/.
“I am also appealing to the victims. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You are not alone! It’s not shameful to tell about it; you will be supported. There is a government hotline 1547 to help victims of domestic violence. There are shelters where you can hide from the abuser. And there will be even more shelters, as new ones are being set up. And please do not find excuses for the abusers. Beating and insulting are not love. We need to finally realise this. Our main step against violence is to change public awareness. Let’s not accept violence as the norm!” said the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
“The thing is that everyone should feel safe not only on the streets but also in their own home. Therefore, for several years now, the issue of domestic violence has been one of the key issues for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police. After all, the safety of the people is the safety of the country,” Deputy Interior Minister Kateryna Pavlichenko said during the event.
She noted that the activities within the awareness-raising campaign The Truth are That 2.0 continue throughout Ukraine with the participation of representatives of the National Police, local authorities and the public.
The Thing is 2.0 is a social initiative that includes an exhibition and an online campaign featuring 16 items related to real cases of domestic violence. This year, 16 videos were created with the participation of celebrities: actors, TV presenters, musicians, scientists and athletes, who voiced real stories of domestic violence survivors. The exhibition is open until December 10 on the 2nd floor of the Gulliver Shopping Mall.
The information partner of the event is Starlight Media.
The event was organised with the support of UN agencies in Ukraine. The national campaign The Thing is 2.0 is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
