Chernihiv Strengthens the System of Prevention and Counteraction of Domestic Violence

On the eve of the all-Ukrainian action “16 Days Against Violence,” a working meeting was held in Chernihiv, during which representatives of city services and NGOs discussed joint steps to strengthen the local response system to domestic and gender-based violence. The focus was on coordination between institutions, accessibility of assistance, and development of specialized services for survivors.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the results of the analysis of the state of prevention and counteraction of domestic violence in the community, the work of the Day Center for Social and Psychological Assistance, and features of interaction between services that work daily with survivors.

Deputy Mayor Viktoria Pekur emphasized that effective response and prevention are possible only under conditions of close cooperation of all subjects and coordinated actions at the community level.

Representatives of the project “Cities and Communities Free from Domestic Violence” outlined the steps implemented within the initiative: identifying the responsible structural unit, establishing detection and response mechanisms, launching a mobile team, creating and developing specialized services.

In her speech, Natalia Kulikova, Program Manager of the Chernihiv Public Committee for Human Rights Protection, emphasized the need to approve a coordinated Action Plan for the year, which will define clear roles for each service, responsible response stages, and prevention priorities.

She also outlined the difficulties that specialists face during events and providing assistance to survivors, in particular: inconsistency in communication between services, lack of prompt decisions in crisis situations, and limited opportunities for providing timely support.

She also emphasized the need for a stable response mechanism, updated interaction algorithms, and regular coordination meetings between the police, social services, medical institutions, free legal aid centers, and the public sector.

Special attention was paid to the work of the Day Center for Social and Psychological Assistance and the mobile team, which provide comprehensive support — legal, psychological, social — and are a key element of the assistance model for survivors.

The meeting participants agreed that the Chernihiv community has made significant steps forward, but further development of the system requires a coordinated Action Plan, strengthening interaction, and expanding available services for survivors.

The event was organized by the NGO “Chernihiv Public Committee for Human Rights Protection” with the support of Norway and the Human Rights House Foundation.