A Paradoxical Situation in Ukraine
Ukraine is experiencing a paradoxical situation: despite the increase in unofficial calls to the domestic violence hotline, the number of criminal cases related to this issue is declining. In 2025, 1,996 criminal cases were opened, which is 28% less compared to the period before the full-scale invasion. Approximately 180 cases are recorded each month, with 79% going to court. In January 2025, 274 cases were opened.
At the same time, the number of unofficial calls to the National Hotline has increased by 9%. In the first three quarters of 2025, the hotline received 35,000 calls. The reasons for the calls are varied:
- half of them concern psychological violence,
- one-third - physical violence,
- 17% - economic violence,
- 1.6% - sexual violence.
An interesting fact is that every fourth call indicates domestic violence by men.
Problems and Challenges
Yulia Dmitruk, an expert in the field of domestic violence, noted that there is an increase in calls from victims in families of military personnel.
She also emphasized that the problem lies in the victims' lack of knowledge about the legislation, caused by ignorance of their rights and how the police can respond.
This situation indicates the importance of raising public awareness about domestic violence issues and the available support mechanisms. Currently, there are hotlines in Ukraine that one can contact for help:
- 0 800 500 335,
- 116 123,
- 116 111,
- 0 800 500 225.
The decrease in the number of criminal cases in the context of increasing calls to the hotline may indicate various factors, such as victims' fear of contacting law enforcement, insufficient awareness of their rights, or distrust of the justice system. The lack of punishment for perpetrators may also undermine trust in the institutions responsible for protecting victims. It is important for society to recognize that domestic violence is a serious problem that requires attention and actions from all participants in the process, including the state, organizations, and citizens themselves.