On October 27-31, 2019, delegations from Ukraine went on a study tour to Romania with the support of the UNFPA. Delegations from Kherson, Dnipro, Poltava, Kyiv, Rubizhne cities, as well as Kherson and Poltava regions and the Ministry of Social Policy took part in the study tour. Teams acquired the knowledge and experience necessary to improve interdepartmental mechanisms for preventing and combating gender-based violence at the national and local levels.

During the study tour, the participants learned about best practices in preventing and responding to domestic violence, which could make interdepartmental interaction in Ukraine more effective. The development of an effective mechanism for providing assistance to every person who has suffered from violence is a systematic and lengthy process, the first step in which is to study the positive experience. That is why the United Nations Population Fund once again initiates study tours to Romania for interdepartmental teams, representatives of relevant ministries, institutions and organizations.

During the three busy days, the participants got acquainted with the Romanian system for preventing and responding to violence: regulatory framework, prevention and response strategies, role and functioning of law enforcement agencies, health care institutions and specialized support services for victims and abusers. Meetings with representatives of the Romanian Parliament, National Agency on Equal Rights for Women and Men, local authorities, police, prosecutor’s office, medical services, and East European Institute for Reproductive Health allowed us to exchange experience and take note of all the best approaches.

One of Romania's main achievements in combating gender-based violence is the implementation of a victim-centered response system. All the activities of the Fund within the framework of the project are also based on this model. In particular, Romania has already ratified the Istanbul Convention, and now the country is systematically working with individuals who have committed violence, an efficient referral system is functioning in different regions, which is ensured by bilateral agreements concluded between the services, and violation of restrictive injunction has been criminalized. All relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations and a special body, the National Agency for Equal Rights for Men and Women, are involved in the system of activities aimed at combating gender-based violence.

The study tours were organized by the United Nations Population Fund in collaboration with the East European Institute for Reproductive Health within the framework of the Comprehensive Approach to Violence Against Women and Girls in Ukraine program funded by the Government of the United Kingdom.