On August 10, 2022, a crisis room for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence was opened in Khotyn, Chernivtsi region.
In such place survivors can shelter from offenders for a period of 10 to 20 days, up to 6 people can stay at the same time. The address of the room is not disclosed for security reasons.
The crisis room was opened within the "Springboard to Equality" project, implemented by the Khotyn City Council, UNFPA, NGO "Initiative", NGO "Khotyn District Society of the Disabled" with the financial support of Sweden and the support of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
"The matter of domestic violence, unfortunately, is relevant at any time, and when people are exhausted due to war, economic difficulties and unemployment, this issue only becomes more relevant. Since 2015, UNFPA has been working on the development of a comprehensive national system for responding and preventing of domestic and gender-based violence in Ukraine, in particular by cooperating with the national and local governments. I am glad that communities do not stand aside from such a painful issue. To date, 12 crisis response rooms have already been created in different regions of Ukraine, three more such rooms are going to be opened in the near future," said Pavlo Zamostyan, Deputy Representative of UNFPA in Ukraine.
"Indeed, the problem of domestic violence is quite acute, especially in the conditions of war. We approached this challenge with full responsibility and understanding. Thanks to the cooperation within the Springboard to Equality project, we managed to open this crisis room. We are grateful to all partners for their support and implementation of such an important initiative," said the First Deputy Mayor of Khotyn, Danylo Biletskyi.
The Social Protection of the Population Department Director, Olga Khodoba: "We would like to note that the Khotyn community is among the best communities in terms of the implementation of various projects in the region: whether it is to help displaced people, relocate businesses, or develop high-quality social services for residents. Today, it is worth noting that the community, despite the difficulties and problems caused by the war, continues to actively develop, in particular in the direction of social protection. We have no doubt that you will succeed in everything!"
The "Springboard to Equality" project, financed by Sweden, is aimed at changing social norms and rejecting gender stereotypes in education, at work, at home, in community life and creating a favorable environment, as well as increasing public demand for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men in Ukraine. Learn more about the project here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdm1eKAVnB
