A crisis room for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence has been opened in Korosten, Zhytomyr Oblast.
The crisis room is a round-the-clock safe space for short-term stays for those who cannot stay at home due to the threat of violence. Its location is not disclosed for security reasons. Here, victims can receive psychological, social and legal assistance, as well as necessary items and food.
Read also: Cyber violence: how to protect yourself and others in the digital space
The crisis room can be accessed by personal request or by referral from the police, mobile teams or social services. According to Uliana Tokareva, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, there are currently 1,100 specialised victim assistance services in Ukraine. The opening of such rooms is an important step in creating a safe environment for all citizens.
UNFPA Deputy Representative Pavlo Zamostyan noted that such initiatives strengthen the resilience of communities and contribute to the well-being of their residents. Korosten joined the project in May 2023, and since then, the city has trained social work specialists, lawyers, psychologists, and police officers. In addition, there is a city centre for social services and a mobile team.
In 2024, 2,438 people turned to the assistance services, of whom 1,711 were women, 600 were men and 127 were children. These figures demonstrate the urgency of the problem and the need to further develop the network of crisis rooms in different regions of Ukraine.
Read also: Closer Than You Think. About Domestic Violence in Ukraine
