Violence against women in Mykolaiv: how victims are supported and how perpetrators are dealt with
- Julia LukyanenkoReporter
Violence against women in Mykolaiv: how victims are supported and how perpetrators are dealt with. Illustrative photo: mcolaw.comDomestic violence is a subject that has been taboo for many years. People might have gossiped about what was happening behind their neighbours’ walls, but they didn’t offer to help. Even the Soviet-era saying «beats means loves» became deeply ingrained in people’s minds.
Times have changed. Domestic violence is now discussed more openly, and the law has changed: penalties for perpetrators have become harsher.
NikVesti investigated the situation regarding violence against women in Mykolaiv and how victims are being helped to break free from this vicious circle.
It is worth noting that there are two distinct concepts: domestic violence and gender-based violence. In the first case, the victim and the perpetrator share a common household. The second concept refers to acts committed against a person because of their sex or gender identity. However, what these concepts have in common is that the majority of victims are women. And, as the police point out, they are predominantly victims of domestic violence.
Representatives from the Department of Social Protection, the police and the Social Services Centre have noted that women of all ages come to them for help. Although young people are now better informed about the law and understand that domestic violence must not be tolerated, older women also need help. They fall victim to both their husbands and their adult children. However, there are also cases where men themselves seek help.
Changes to the law
In December 2017, Ukraine passed the Law «On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence», followed by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution in 2018. All these documents set out how services combating violence – both domestic and gender-based – should interact at a local level.
And in 2018, the Social Protection Department of Mykolaiv City Council joined the fight against domestic violence. In 2021, a separate unit was established within the department — the Department for Family and Gender Policy and Combating Human Trafficking. It facilitates cooperation between all relevant bodies in the city in the field of combating domestic and gender-based violence. As Olha Kazakutsa, head of the Division for Labour, Family and Gender Policy at the Mykolaiv City Council’s Department of Labour and Social Protection, explained, the city also has a working group that coordinates this area of work.
«There seem to be plenty of legislative documents, but they have simply formalised the work that was already being carried out prior to this period; now, however, it has been stepped up. Throughout 2021, the relevant stakeholders were involved in preventing and combating domestic violence; they cooperated effectively and achieved significant success. In December 2021, at a working group meeting, plans were drawn up for the whole of 2022, including a proposal to open a shelter. It was almost ready at that time. Mobile teams were mobilised to assist victims of domestic violence. Cooperation with the courts was improved to ensure harsher penalties for perpetrators. A centre for the social and psychological support of children, based on the «Barnahus» model, was opened. Unfortunately, on 24 February 2022, all our progress was undone by the start of the armed aggression,» noted Olha Kazakutsa.
Olha Kazakutsa, Head of the Division for Labour, Family and Gender Policy at the Department of Labour and Social Protection of the Mykolaiv City Council. Photo: NikVestiEfforts to combat domestic violence in Mykolaiv were resumed in the second half of 2023.
«We started, as they say, from the bottom up, and achieved positive results. We resumed the work of mobile teams and our collaboration with the courts. Court rulings on the punishment of perpetrators are now being enforced more actively. In 2024, we opened a shelter for women who have suffered abuse. Every three months, our working group reviews the most pressing issues. In other words, we have finalised this network to combat domestic and gender-based violence,» explained the head of the Department for Labour, Family and Gender Policy.
The police reported that further amendments to the legislation were introduced in 2024. Olena Beshai, Senior Inspector of the Department for the Organisation of Community Police Officers within the Preventive Activities Directorate of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Mykolaiv region, clarified that new forms and types of violence had been added to the Code of Administrative Offences.
«Whereas previously we classified domestic violence under Article 173-2 of the Code, which was worded as ‘Committing domestic violence, breaching an emergency restraining order or failing to complete a rehabilitation programme’, all these concepts have now been separated. In other words, domestic violence remains a separate category and comprises four types: physical, psychological, economic and sexual. Violation of the terms of an emergency restraining order has been moved to a separate provision, set out in Article 173-8. This is not considered an act of domestic violence, but rather a breach of a preventive regulatory document. Failure to complete a rehabilitation programme has also been treated as a separate offence. This is covered by Article 390-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine,» explained Olena Beshai.
In particular, due to these changes in the law, the number of recorded cases of domestic violence has fallen. This is because breaches of restraining orders are now recorded separately.
What the figures show
The Main Directorate of the National Police in the Mykolaiv region noted that between 1 January 2025 and May 2026, reports were recorded of 4,392 confirmed cases of domestic violence: 983 cases of physical abuse, 3,336 of psychological abuse and 73 of economic abuse.
In addition, investigative units registered 52 criminal proceedings relating to domestic violence (Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). In 49 of these cases, the victims were women.
Twenty-eight criminal proceedings were referred to court: the majority, namely 26, with indictments; one with a plea agreement; and another with a reconciliation agreement.
The police clarified that since January 2025, investigators have registered 98 criminal cases (87 in 2025 and 11 in 2026) involving domestic violence.
At the same time, investigators initiated 338 proceedings resulting from domestic violence. 86 incidents of violence were confirmed, whilst 252 cases concerned other offences: 177 in 2025 and 75 in 2026.
«These figures indicate that a significant proportion of criminal offences committed against women are linked specifically to acts of violence within the family or domestic setting. At the same time, a significant number of incidents of violence relate to conflicts and offences that arise outside family relationships and do not constitute domestic violence,» the police reported.
Law enforcement officers noted that the majority of criminal offences relate to misunderstandings and family conflicts, but do not constitute domestic violence.
Response to NikVesti’s enquiry regarding violence against women in the Mykolaiv region
Response to a query from NikVesti regarding violence against women in the Mykolaiv regionA domestic dispute is not always domestic violence
Olena Beshai, Senior Inspector of the Department for the Organisation of Community Police Officers’ Activities, reported that violence against women in the Mykolaiv region is, in the vast majority of cases, domestic violence. And the vast majority of cases involve psychological abuse. Importantly, this is systematic, unlike family disputes.
«The main characteristic of such offences is their systematic nature. We must distinguish between a conflict and the actual act of violence. Most people do not understand this and perceive the conflict itself as an offence. If it is established that it is a conflict, such calls are dismissed. In cases of repeated domestic violence, we then consider entering the information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations as a criminal offence under Article 126-1,» explained Olena Beshai.
There are cases where perpetrators inflict bodily harm to stop certain actions. Women also report economic domestic violence, where money is taken from them. But this sometimes turns out to be theft.
«When situations where money is systematically taken from the victim occur. The person believes this to be economic domestic violence, but during investigations it turns out to be theft. Similarly, it could be fraud,» said Olena Beshai.
Support for victims of domestic violence. Illustrative photo: cpkhub.com.uaThere are also conflicts arising from jealousy.
«There are instances where people miscategorise a situation: either there is a conflict or simply a domestic dispute, or, in the vast majority of cases, it arises against a backdrop of jealousy. This is particularly true now, when women are spending more time on their own. Men come home on holiday or from a business trip and assume that certain things have happened. This is a conflict situation. It happened once and is now over. The woman considers this to be an instance of domestic violence, and so she seeks help,» added the police officer.
Information materials for victims of domestic violence. Photo: NikVestiThere are cases where women report domestic violence to the police. But when the police arrive, they refuse to make a statement.
«We come across situations where a woman has reported domestic violence, saying she can no longer put up with it and needs help. By the time the patrol arrives, she says: «No, I don’t want anything now; I’ll file a counter-statement» (stating she has no complaints, — note). The vast majority of such cases occur in dysfunctional families where there is abuse of alcohol or other substances. And in the heat of the moment, the woman believes that such actions have taken place, and she reports it. But by the time the police arrive, they have calmed down and made up,» noted Olena Beshai.
However, domestic disputes can also involve death threats.
«This is also linked to violence, as it involves psychological pressure on the individual. The person becomes increasingly unstable, and this leads to serious consequences. The information is then entered into the register under Article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and an investigation is carried out,» noted Olena Beshai.
In cases of threats, a restraining order may be issued against the perpetrator. However, this applies specifically to cases of domestic violence.
«A restraining order is issued in cases of domestic violence. This is because, in accordance with current legislation — specifically Order №654 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs — an emergency restraining order is issued to put an end to domestic violence. In other words, if the actions are of a different nature, we cannot issue such an order,» the police officer clarified.
She explained that in the event of threats, the abuser and the victim are separated to prevent them from coming into contact. If the woman has nowhere to go, she is taken to a shelter for victims of domestic violence and/or gender-based violence.
Olena Beshai, Senior Inspector of the Department for the Organisation of Community Police Officers’ Activities within the Preventive Activities Directorate of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Mykolaiv Oblast. Photo: NikVestiAs Olena Beshai explained, in the vast majority of cases, the perpetrators are men. However, there are also instances where women commit domestic violence, most often against children or parents.
«Yes, we do have such situations. In such cases, we consider drawing up an administrative report under Article 173-2 if there is a threat to a person’s life or health, and issuing an urgent restraining order requiring the perpetrator to leave the place of residence for a specified period. In other words, we have the option of evicting the abuser for 10 days to allow the situation to stabilise,» noted Olena Beshai.
Support for victims
In combating domestic and gender-based violence, the police, the Mykolaiv City Centre for Social Services, mobile teams, the Department of Social Protection, district administrations and child welfare services — where the victim is a child — all work together. Victims can contact these organisations, as well as helplines.
As explained by Olha Kazakutsa, head of the labour, family and gender policy division at the Department of Social Protection, once a report has been recorded, a mobile team is dispatched, comprising a representative from the Mykolaiv City Centre for Social Services and the police. They assess the situation on the spot. It may be either a one-off incident or a pattern of abuse. The mobile team draws up a needs assessment report. If the facts are confirmed, the police deal with the abuser, including by referring the case to court.
The mobile team assesses on the spot what support is required in cases of domestic violence. Illustrative photo: life.rayon.in.uaKateryna Vorobiova, Head of the «Day Centre for Social and Psychological Support for Victims of Domestic Violence and/or Gender-Based Violence» at the Mykolaiv City Centre for Social Services, Kateryna Vorobiova, explained that the day centre works with all victims of violence, regardless of gender. Specialists provide comprehensive social and psychological support, taking into account each person’s individual needs. Survivors are informed about the causes and consequences of domestic violence, how to respond to it — including in the event of repeated incidents — as well as their rights and available options. They are also told where else they can seek help. In addition, the centre’s specialists run awareness-raising sessions on domestic violence in schools to work with children on prevention.
The centre also has a mobile team.
«The mobile team visits victims as a group, regardless of whether they are women or men, and provides support in a safe space for them — such as a flat where the abuser is not present, or another location. In other words, it stabilises and supports the victims’ psychological and emotional state, explains how to respond to incidents of violence, what to do, and where to turn if such an incident occurs. It explains special measures to combat domestic violence: emergency protection orders, restraining orders, and measures to influence the abuser so that they do not continue to commit these unlawful acts,» added Kateryna Vorobiova.
Shelter for victims of domestic violence
In March 2024, a shelter for people who have suffered from domestic violence and/or gender-based violence began operating in Mykolaiv. A safe space has been created there. Victims can be referred to the shelter by representatives of the Mykolaiv City Centre for Social Services’ mobile team, the police and the Department of Social Protection.
«During this time, around 100 people have stayed at the shelter, nearly half of whom are children. These are exclusively women or women with children. The shelter is intended solely for them. Men do not stay at the shelter,» noted Kateryna Vorobiova.
She clarified that, in accordance with current legislation, children who have witnessed domestic violence are also considered victims, as they suffer psychological trauma.
The shelter operates round the clock. There are specialists and a psychologist on site to help the victims. The shelter is under security guard, as abusers can be unpredictable.
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City CouncilThe shelter does not provide meals, but when women arrive there, they receive an emergency food parcel. There is a kitchen where mothers can prepare food for themselves and their children. The victims have to do this themselves. Specialists, meanwhile, advise the women on where to turn next to resolve their issues.
«We work very closely with civil society organisations, and our specialists refer women to partner organisations and charitable foundations that can then provide further financial or humanitarian support as they are able,» explained Kateryna Vorobiova.
At the social services centre, they help women to replace documents, whether passports or internally displaced person (IDP) certificates, or to register a child. However, the centre does not offer legal support, so specialists refer affected women to the relevant departments of the Mykolaiv Legal Aid Bureau and to civil society organisations where lawyers are available. In particular, they help women file lawsuits against their abusers and draw up applications for divorce.
Victims can stay at the shelter for up to three months. However, given the state of war, if a person has nowhere else to go and has not yet resolved their issues, their stay may be extended.
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council
In 2024, a shelter for victims of domestic violence opened in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City CouncilDuring this time, the woman is free to come and go as she pleases, but for her own safety she must let the centre know where she will be.
«So, for example, she can look for a job, register with the jobcentre, or sort out her documents. It is not a closed facility — women are free to leave. However, they are obliged not to disclose the shelter’s location, both for their own safety and for the safety of other women and the shelter’s staff,» explained Kateryna Vorobiova.
Once a woman has resolved her situation and leaves the shelter, the centre’s staff can provide her with social support if needed. This means she can turn to the staff for help, including a psychologist.
«In other words, the person is not left to face the problem alone, even though they appear to have overcome it, but receives ongoing support. We then stay in touch with the survivor, and are always open to working with them if needed,» added Kateryna Vorobiova.
Results of the awareness campaign
To combat domestic violence, a major awareness campaign is being run by the Department of Social Protection, the Centre for Social Services, the police, district administrations and civil society organisations. These include the annual «16 Days Against Violence» campaign, educational initiatives in schools, various activities for children, and the dissemination of information in libraries, shopping centres and on the city’s main street.
All the experts we spoke to noted that domestic violence is now being discussed more openly: it is not something that should be tolerated.
«Whereas it used to be thought that one should keep quiet about it, people’s awareness is now growing more and more that we must not put up with or tolerate this. We say that the abuser must be punished. And the conditions of war also exacerbate and highlight problems within families. These include financial hardship and people’s unstable psychological and emotional state. Domestic violence is not going away. We are receiving reports. We are working through them together with the police. Unfortunately, all these factors are contributing to a rise in the number of domestic violence incidents and in the number of victims seeking help from the centre’s specialists,» commented the head of the day centre.
Kateryna Vorobiova, head of the ‘Day Centre for Social and Psychological Support for Victims of Domestic Violence and/or Gender-Based Violence’. Photo: NikVestiCases of violence are not being hushed up; instead, people are speaking openly about them. Kateryna Vorobiova shared that even during school events organised by the centre, children are already able to distinguish between different types of domestic violence.
«Unfortunately, violence isn’t going away, but people are becoming increasingly aware of it. They’re starting to talk about it more and more. And that’s a very good thing. It’s no longer just a family matter behind closed doors. Even when we run events for children at school, we talk about domestic violence and ask what forms of violence they are aware of. They very quickly mention psychological and physical abuse. Year 5 pupils, and even younger ones. So children are being told about this at school. And children are already shaping their lives with a slightly different understanding — that they will be protected, that they don’t have to put up with it. If we’re talking about this, then that’s already the first step towards overcoming it in some way. And it’s very good when people know that abusers can be punished,» said Kateryna Vorobiova.
Another result of the awareness campaign is that men have also started reporting domestic violence.
«Now even men are coming forward to make reports. Whereas previously it was taboo to say, «I’m a man, and my wife is beating me», these men are now coming forward because they realise that if they do not defend their rights, if they do not defend themselves, there will be serious consequences,» added police spokesperson Olena Beshai.
The impact of the war
In response to an information request from ‘NikVesti’, the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Mykolaiv region reported that, since the start of the war, the number of domestic violence cases has begun to decline.
«With the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, incidents of violence have declined; this is due to the fact that a significant number of women and children (traditionally the most vulnerable groups) have left the country, which physically reduces the number of potential cases and reports within the country. Their adjustment to life abroad, as well as the consequences of being physically separated from their families, sometimes acts as a catalyst for divorce. Another reason for the decline in the number of domestic violence cases is the mobilisation of men, which intensified significantly in 2025–2026. As statistics show that domestic violence is in most cases, though not always, perpetrated by men, the mobilisation of a potential perpetrator brings an end to cohabitation and removes him from the home environment, thereby preventing acts of physical violence and reducing the number of domestic conflicts that previously served as triggers for aggression,» the police statement reads.
The police cited other reasons for the decline in the number of domestic violence cases, including the expansion of the network of shelters, crisis centres and day centres that provide support to women who have been victimised. Another factor is a long-running awareness campaign, which helps to reduce tolerance of any form of violence, and changes to the laws regarding the punishment of perpetrators.
The police’s response to a query from NikVesti regarding the impact of the war on the domestic violence situationHowever, representatives of social services have noted that domestic violence is not decreasing.
«The situation is worsening because, during the full-scale invasion, people’s mental and emotional state has deteriorated significantly. Constant anxiety and tension are triggering various emotional reactions in people, most often negative ones. Violence is happening. And it’s not getting any less,» stated Kateryna Vorobiova.
The Department of Social Protection made similar comments regarding the impact of the war.
«In our country at present, unfortunately, the population is in a constant state of stress, which also contributes to aggressive behaviour. And as far as domestic violence is concerned, as we are observing, the situation is only getting worse. Unfortunately, the number of cases is rising, even those that do not reach the courts,» noted Olha Kazakutsa.
She explained that internally displaced persons are also caught up in this cycle of violence. That is why women are also being informed in the areas where they live.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence
Our interviewees pointed out that there are also reports from relatives or neighbours that a woman is suffering from domestic violence. In such cases, the services make contact with her and explain how to break the cycle of domestic violence.
«A mobile team is then dispatched, and the case of domestic violence is officially recorded in conjunction with the local authorities. If the woman then decides to apply to the court for a restraining order, valid for between 1 and 6 months, to prevent her abuser from approaching her, phoning her or sending ‘greetings’ via anyone else, our documentation will also be of assistance in holding the abuser to account. It must be established that the domestic violence is systematic. Whether it has occurred once or several times, the abuser is issued with a restraining order, valid for at least two days, to prevent him from approaching her. If he breaches it, that constitutes a pattern of behaviour. That then provides grounds for applying to the court to secure a more severe punishment for the abuser,» explained Kateryna Vorobiova.
However, it is up to the woman to decide whether to take this step. In other words, she will not be forced to do so.
«It does happen that victims return to their abusers. But they often realise that, if violence is present, it only gets worse over time. There is a concept known as the «cycle of domestic violence». It all starts with insults, then there may be a physical altercation, followed by a reconciliation — often accompanied by a «honeymoon» period — and then the cycle repeats, but each time it escalates. It can lead to physical injury and, sadly, even fatalities,» noted Kateryna Vorobiova.
She explained that there are now charitable organisations that help victims with rent payments and training for future employment.
The cycle of domestic violence. Illustrative photo: tomorrowslawyer.orgThe police also commented that they cannot force someone to file a complaint against their abuser.
«We cannot impose our opinion on a person. If they decide to file a complaint, we investigate. If they refuse to file a complaint, we cannot force them to do so. Every person understands for themselves what is happening in their family and what the consequences might be. Moreover, we very often run awareness campaigns, explaining what violence is, what forms it takes, and why it is dangerous,» noted Olena Beshai.
However, there is another side to this, where women are afraid of the fines they will have to pay.
«Most are still afraid that the court will impose a fine. And who ends up paying the fine? The wife. And given that fines often go unpaid, bank accounts are now being frozen,» added Olena Beshai.
The police officer added that there are cases where women are dependent on their husbands. And the abusers put pressure on the woman to write a statement saying that no crime took place. But all these cases are recorded.
«Abusive husbands commit domestic violence, but once it is established that a woman has sought help from the police or social services, they use psychological pressure to persuade or force their wife or a relative to write a counter-statement claiming that no such incident took place. All of this is recorded. And when there are repeated reports of this kind, we can see them in our system. In other words, there is a pattern. This confirms that domestic violence is taking place. When we see a pattern, a report of an administrative offence is drawn up without fail and an urgent restraining order is issued,» explained the police officer.
Children suffer in all these situations.
«Unfortunately, these cases have become much more frequent here. Together with the child welfare service, a mobile team goes to the scene and finds that there is a child in the family: the child may be either a witness to the conflict or, increasingly, a participant in it. We’ve already had up to five court rulings this year involving violence against a child. Such families are then placed on the register,» noted Olha Kazakutsa.
Children also become victims of domestic violence. Illustrative photo: ukrsr.otg.dp.gov.uaThe police say they are monitoring whether it is actually possible to break the cycle of domestic violence.
«Of course, we look at whether offences are repeated or whether this is a first-time offence. But the numbers are falling,» added Olena Beshai.
Working with perpetrators
Olha Kazakutsa, head of the Department for Labour, Family and Gender Policy, explained that since 2023, when efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence were stepped up again in the city, efforts to punish perpetrators in accordance with court rulings have also been intensified.
«Judges have started to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators. These include both fines and the requirement to complete a programme. We have also seen an increase in the number of cases where arrests are made. But this, unfortunately, applies only to those perpetrators who have repeatedly come to the attention of the pre-trial authorities,» noted Olha Kazakutsa.
As Kateryna Vorobiova, head of the Day Centre’s department, explained, few psychologists are willing to work with perpetrators. However, the social services centre has a psychologist who has undergone training and is qualified to deliver the rehabilitation programme.
«If the court orders an abuser to undertake the programme, the court’s decision is forwarded to us via the Department of Social Protection. The police then track down the perpetrator and refer them to us. It is the responsibility of the person who committed the violence to come to us. Our task is to work through the programme with them,» said Kateryna Vorobiova.
She added that last year there were around 20 perpetrators who were required to complete a rehabilitation programme. And there are some this year as well. Some complete the programme in full. Some start it and then disappear. But the responsibility for complying with — or, more precisely, failing to comply with — the court’s decision lies squarely with the perpetrators.
A rehabilitation programme is provided for offenders. Illustrative photo: mahala.com.uaThe police monitor compliance with the rehabilitation programme.
«There are some who are not particularly keen to undertake the rehabilitation programme because, you see, there are deep-rooted prejudices: «A man is the head of the family, and he cannot be weak». That is why the perpetrators refuse. But under our supervision, they do undertake these programmes. If they do not complete the rehabilitation programme, the matter of entering the information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations under Article 390-1 is considered, and a pre-trial investigation is conducted. It is then up to the court to make a decision,» said police spokesperson Olena Beshai.
As Kateryna Vorobiova noted, if an abuser has completed the programme but there are repeat incidents of domestic violence, this is monitored.
«Very often, perpetrators remain within their families. And very often, after a certain period of time, we do not see any recurrence. So we hope that things are, after all, getting back on track,» added Kateryna Vorobiova.
The police reported that there are also perpetrators who ask for help in court because they cannot cope on their own.
Overall, the experts said that although domestic and gender-based violence remains a problem in society, there are also positive outcomes.
«We receive feedback, and when it is positive, it gives us hope and confidence that we are doing very important work, and that it is making a difference. This provides support and inspiration to continue working within this extensive system to combat domestic violence,» concluded Kateryna Vorobiova.
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