Допомога й захист постраждалих від домашнього насильства: сучасний стан та основні проблеми правового регулювання

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the content, current situation and problems that arise during the provision of assistance and protection to victims of domestic violence. This is a separate area of activity of entities in the field of prevention and counteraction to this phenomenon. It was identified that this area includes the timely intervention and cessation of the act of violence, as well as protection of the victims by the police. Victims are also supported and provided with the necessary medical, psychological, social, legal assistance and services by health care institutions, non-governmental organizations, legal aid offices and centers, prosecutors' offices, judicial authorities (access to justice), general and specialized support services for victims (shelters, telephone hotlines etc). Emphasis is placed on the need for specialists to respect and be sensitive to victims and to provide them with the opportunity to make informed decisions that best reflect their interests. The specifics of providing victims with information about their rights and opportunities to exercise such rights are analyzed and the existing shortage of printed information materials with the contacts of services to which a person can apply in their locality is indicated. Problematic issues have been identified to ensure access to general and specialized support services for victims to receive social aid, medical, social and psychological assistance. The current state and prospects of providing such persons with temporary shelter for safe accommodation have been established and the need to expand the network of specialized crisis centers has been emphasized. The situation with providing victims with access to justice and other mechanisms of legal protection, including by providing free legal aid, is analyzed. The activity of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Government of the country regarding the establishment of a round-the-clock free call center on prevention and counteraction to domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against children is considered.