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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

December 15, 2023

Since 27 November, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, experts from R2P conducted Gender-Based Violence: How to Avoid and Counteract lessons.

The purpose of such events was to raise awareness of the problem of gender-based violence in Ukraine and to prevent it among young people. Psychologists from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programme, together with specialists from the Foundation's legal service, provide pupils and students with information to help identify the types and signs of gender-based and domestic violence. The experts introduce the participants to the legal framework in this area and algorithms for responding to such situations. In addition, the lessons are aimed at developing respect for gender equality among adolescents.

The events were held in educational institutions in Vinnytska, Sumska, and Kharkivska oblasts, as well as in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Lviv, Pavlohrad, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia.

Participants note that it is essential to know. The information helps to understand how to act in cases of gender-based and domestic violence, who to turn to for help, and what protection mechanisms are available in Ukraine today. Notably, the lessons raise awareness of the responsibility of perpetrators of violence. They also promote awareness of the need to take care of one's safety and to be responsible in actions for the security of others.

Participants of the events generously share their feedback on the lessons:

"The lesson was accessible for teenagers, and they listened with interest. They were happy to join in the exercises and argue about the conclusions. We especially liked the video "Consent to Sex. Just like tea". After the event, at a tea party, one boy joked that he wanted to have tea, but not with everyone."

"It was important to learn:

• how to say no, how to protect your boundaries;
• about consent to sex;
• that domestic violence is not only a family issue;
• information about crisis rooms;
• the importance of information, that there are places to go for help and that it is normal to ask for help;
• about not judging victims of violence".

According to the participants, the types of violence, including psychological and economic, were new information. Some were surprised to learn that there is "combined violence" when one type turns into another. They also noted the practical aspect of the topic: there is information that can be used to help others or themselves: hotlines, support centres, crisis rooms, etc.