On November 25, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna took part in the presentation of the social campaign The Truth is That 2.0 as part of the World Campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Sportyvna Ploshcha (Sports Square – ed.) in Kyiv.

In her address, Olha Stefanishyna stressed that domestic violence is a social tragedy that is not only physical in nature, but may involve economic, mental and sexual pressure. She stressed that such violence is one of the most common offenses in the world, recognizing neither social, nor economic, nor religious boundaries.

"Anyone can suffer abuse: a man, a woman, children, the elderly, any family member, regardless of where you live, with whom and what your financial situation is," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Olha Stefanishyna stressed the complex nature of combating domestic violence and the importance of intensifying the work of all institutions.

"Violence is an issue that cannot be solved by the work of one ministry or one state institution. Combating domestic violence is a set of measures that requires the involvement and indifference of absolutely all citizens, as well as awareness of the steps needed to combat this shameful phenomenon. This is critical because almost every third Ukrainian family has its own history of violence," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The official urged not to keep silent about such cases. She stressed that the state exerts every effort not to leave victims of domestic violence without support.

"We are increasing criminal liability for domestic violence, creating a network of crisis rooms, day centers, victim support programs and engaging in work with perpetrators. The main thing is not to keep silent. The state takes care of every victim. Seek help from the Government hotline 15-47, where everyone will be heard, and do not be indifferent to witnesses and respond to such cases. This is an opportunity to break the cycle of violence for those who are still afraid or ashamed to seek help."

At the end of her speech, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of directing her efforts to raise awareness of Ukrainians in combating domestic violence and to form an intolerant attitude of citizens to any of its manifestations.

Background

The presentation was held under the auspices of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska and with the support of international partners.

The Thing Is That 2.0 is a social initiative, which includes an exhibition and an online campaign, which presents 16 items related to real cases of domestic violence. This year, 16 videos were created with the participation of celebrities: actors, presenters, musicians, scientists and athletes, who voiced real stories of victims of domestic violence.