A new law that strengthens liability for domestic violence and gender-based violence came into force on December 19, 2024. The law provides for a number of innovations, including administrative liability for sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Under the new legislation, a child is recognized as a victim not only in criminal cases of domestic violence, but also in cases of administrative offenses. This expands the protection of minors who may become witnesses or victims of violence.
The law clearly distinguishes between two concepts: gender-based violence and domestic violence. The former includes actions aimed at discrimination based on gender or stereotypes about the roles of men and women in society, and the latter refers to violence that occurs within the family or between close people.
For gender-based violence, the law provides for fines of 1,700 to 3,400 UAH, as well as the possibility of community service of up to 40 hours or correctional labor. For sexual harassment, the fines range from 1,360 to 2,720 UAH. At the same time, for domestic violence, violators may be fined from 340 to 680 UAH, community service of up to 40 hours, or administrative arrest.
The new law increases the penalty for evading punishment, including failure to perform community service. Now, every 4 hours of unpaid work is assessed at 85 UAH (previously it was only 17 UAH). In addition, offenders can be sent to correctional programs aimed at changing behavior and preventing reoffending.
The term of administrative detention for persons who commit domestic violence or violate restraining orders has been increased to 12 hours, which is a significant step forward in the fight against violence.
These changes aim not only to increase accountability for violence, but also to improve the system of protecting victims, in particular women and children, from violent acts in society.
