From December 19, 2024, a new law came into force that strengthens responsibility for domestic violence and gender-based violence. The law provides for a number of innovations, including administrative responsibility for sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
According to 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 extends protection to minors who may witness or become victims of violence.
The law clearly distinguishes between two concepts: gender-based violence and domestic violence. The first includes actions aimed at discrimination due to gender or stereotypes about the roles of men and women in society, and the second - refers to violence that occurs within the family or between close people.
For committing gender-based violence, the law provides for fines from UAH 1,700 to UAH 3,400, as well as the possibility of up to 40 hours of community service or correctional work. Fines for sexual harassment range from UAH 1,360 to UAH 2,720. At the same time, fines from UAH 340 to UAH 680, community service up to 40 hours, or administrative arrest may be imposed on offenders for domestic violence.
The new law strengthens responsibility for evasion of punishment, in particular for failure to perform community service. Now every 4 hours of unworked work is valued at UAH 85 (previously it was only UAH 17). In addition, offenders may be referred to correctional programs aimed at modifying behavior and preventing reoffending.
The term of administrative detention of 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 are aimed not only at increasing responsibility for violence, but also at improving the system of protecting victims, particularly women and children, from violent acts in society.
