Activities of Shelters for Women Victims of Domestic Violence in Ukraine: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Violence is one of the most widespread forms of violation of human rights in the world, which the state must defend and protect. Currently, in our country there are contradictions between the developed concept of combating domestic violence based on the interaction of various subjects and the insufficient level of its implementation due to the creation of an extensive network of specialized support services for victims. The purpose of the article is to analyze the activities of shelters that provide social services to women who are victims of domestic violence, and to justify the need to expand the existing network in Ukraine. The basic principles, mechanism of creation and financing of shelters are considered. The importance of applying world experience in this matter is substantiated. The financial support of international organizations in the process of creating shelters was studied. The study of shelter models, which are most represented in Ukraine, has been further developed. The main method used is the analysis of documents for the study of international legal agreements and national legislation on combating violence. In the course of the study, the main problems in the operation of shelters were identified. They are associated with a small number, insufficient funding, and a low level of public awareness of the availability and working conditions of institutions. The mechanism of cooperation between authorities and institutions that provide assistance to affected persons also needs coordination at the regulatory and practical levels. The following steps should be the ways of improvement: creation of an extensive network of shelters; professional development of specialists who work with women who are victims of domestic violence; increasing sources of funding for institutions, primarily through public-private partnerships.